A fracture refers to a broken bone, typically resulting from trauma, excessive force, or repetitive stress. It can vary in severity from a hairline crack to a complete break, disrupting the bone’s integrity and function.
A closed fracture, also known as a simple fracture, occurs when the broken bone does not penetrate the skin. The injury is contained within the body.
An open fracture, or compound fracture, is characterized by the broken bone protruding through the skin, exposing it to the external environment. This type of fracture poses an increased risk of infection.
A greenstick fracture is a type of incomplete fracture commonly seen in children, where the bone bends and partially breaks, resembling a green twig snapping. The bone may only crack on one side, while the other side remains intact.
A comminuted fracture occurs when the bone shatters into multiple fragments, often due to high-energy trauma. This type of fracture poses challenges in treatment and requires careful management.
A stress fracture results from repetitive stress or overuse, causing tiny cracks in the bone. It commonly affects athletes and individuals engaged in activities that involve repetitive motion, such as running or jumping.
A pathological fracture occurs in weakened bones due to an underlying disease or condition, such as osteoporosis, bone tumors, or infections. These fractures can happen with minimal trauma or even during normal activities.
A displaced fracture refers to a bone break where the two ends of the fractured bone are misaligned or separated from each other. Proper realignment, or reduction, is necessary to promote healing and restore normal bone alignment.
A non-displaced fracture occurs when the bone breaks but remains in alignment, with the ends of the fractured bone still in their normal anatomical position. These fractures may require immobilization for healing but often have a favorable prognosis.
Fracture healing is the process by which the body repairs a broken bone. It involves several stages, including inflammation, soft callus formation, hard callus formation, and bone remodeling, ultimately restoring the bone’s strength and function.