Fractures often occur as a result of a fall or a collision.
The bones of the arms and legs are particularly vulnerable to breakage, but any bone in the body can be fractured. The type of first aid administered depends upon the kind of fracture and its location in the body. A dislocation, which is the displacement of the bone at a joint, has many of the same symptoms as a fracture. These symptoms include possible deformity of the limb and pain and numbness immediately surrounding the injured area. If there is uncertainty as to whether the injury is a fracture or a dislocation, always treat for a fracture.