Fractures & Trauma
A bone fracture occurs when a bone is cracked or broken, most commonly as a result of a traumatic high-force impact or stress, but can also occur from less intense stress over time or certain weakening medical conditions.
Fractures come in many different forms, depending on the nature and severity of the break. These include:
Simple Fractures – The bone breaks cleanly but does not pierce the skin. These are also known as closed fractures.
Compound Fractures – The bone breaks and penetrates the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
Comminuted Fractures – The bone is shattered into three or more pieces, often due to high-impact trauma.
Greenstick Fractures – A partial fracture where the bone bends and cracks, most commonly seen in children due to the flexibility of their bones.
Stress Fractures – Tiny, hairline cracks in the bone that develop over time from repetitive stress, often seen in athletes.
Pathologic Fractures – Fractures that occur in bones weakened by underlying medical conditions such as osteoporosis, cancer, or infection.
Treatment for fractures depends on the type, location, and severity of the break. Minor fractures may be treated with immobilization using casts, splints, or braces, allowing the bone to heal over time. More complex or severe fractures may require surgical intervention, such as the use of metal rods, plates, or screws to stabilize the bone and ensure proper healing.