Types of Fractures Types of fractures Study-Aids about Bones and the Skeletal System: See also: Types of Fractures There are several different types of fractures. As with types of joints , types of fractures can be classified into different numbers of groups (or "classes") depending on the level of detail required. A short list of different types of fractures is: Partial (fracture) - incomplete break of bone, e.g. a greenstick fracture or a hairline fracture. Complete (fracture) - complete break resulting in bone being separated into 2 or more pieces. Closed or "Simple" (fracture) - fractured bone(s) do not break through the skin. Open or "Compound" (fracture) - at least some part of fractured bone(s) protrude through the skin . These are just some of the most basic terms used to refer to bone fractures. Some fractures fall into more than one category, e.g. a "complete" fracture may be "open" or "closed". Many courses in human anatomy & physiology (A&P) require more detailed knowledge of fractures than the short list above. Check the requirements of your course to find out the list necessary for full marks in your exam(s).

The following information may exceed that required for some first-level courses e.g. GCSE and A-Level. Basic information about different types of fractures is listed in the following table. Types of Bone Fractures taught on introductory-level courses e.g. in anatomy & physiology 1. Simple A simple fracture is a clean break in a bone causing no (or very little) disturbance to the overlying skin. There are several sub-types of "simple fracture", i.e. terms that can be used to describe specific simple fractures in more detail: Simple transverse fractures - at right-angles or almost right-angles to the long axis of the bone. Transverse fractures are sometimes called "chalkstick fractures" because the broken bone has been said to resemble a broken stick of chalk. Simple oblique fractures - are those in which the break is at an angle of 30 degrees (30o) or more to the long axis of the bone. Simple spiral fractures - the line of the fracture spirals around the bone, can be due to torsional forces. 2. Greenstick A greenstick fracture is an incomplete break in a bone (i.e. loss of continuity in the structure of the bone) in which part of the outer-shell of the bone remains intact.

Greenstick fractures tend to occur in children, whose bones are more flexible (less brittle) than those of adults - but not all fractures in children are greenstick fractures. Healing of greenstick fractures is usually relatively quick. 3. Compound (= "open") A compound fracture (also called an open fracture) involves a broken bone piercing and often protruding through the overlying skin. If the bone is not visibly exposed as a result of having broken through the skin it is still a compound/open fracture if the bone did so at some stage but has since reverted back or been moved within the overlaying skin. There are two types of compound fractures: Fracture open from within out - meaning that the broken bone pushed outwards breaking the skin from the inside of the body, and Fracture open from without in - meaning that the skin was first broken by trauma from outside the body directed inwards towards the body/bone, sometimes with severe force. Of the 2 types of open fractures, those open from without in generally involve more severe damage and risk of infection than those open from within out. 4.

Comminuted (= "multifragmentary") A comminuted fracture is also known as a multifragmentary fracture and is characterized by the bone being broken into more than two pieces. There are several sub-types of "comminuted fracture" or "multifragmentary fracture" that describe specific forms of these fractures in more detail, e.g.: Spiral wedge fracture - due to torsional force(s) Bending wedge fracture - usually due to direct or indirect violence Complex spiral fracture - has more than one spiral element Complex segmental fracture - has one or more distinct "complete" sections of bone, as opposed to multiple small irregular fragments Complex irregular fracture - the bone between the main (largest) sections is broken into many irregular pieces or fragments, some of which may be very small. Knowledge of these terms is rarely needed for first-level courses / exams but may be helpful to therapists, nurses and other professionals whose work involves communication with medical descriptions and specialists. 5. Impacted An impacted fracture is a loss in continuity in the structure of bones i.e. breaks or cracks, in which at least one bone (or fragment of bone) has been driven into another. 6.

Complicated A complicated fracture is a broken bone that has also damaged surrounding structures or organs, e.g. a broken rib that has punctured a lung. More Types of Bone Fractures including some more advanced knowlege and terminology 7. Hairline A hairline fracture is the result of insufficient trauma (e.g. force or impact) to cause much movement between the fragments of bone. The damage may be difficult to find and identify, even using X-rays. Sometimes another set of images is taken 7-10 days after the first to check. A hairline fracture is sometimes referred to colloquially as a "crack" or "cracked bone". 8. Types of Bone Fractures | Interactive Anatomy Guide Home > Skeletal System > Bones of the Leg and Foot > Types of Bone Fractures Types of Bone Fractures As rugged as our bodies are, they are often susceptible to painful and disabling injuries such as strains, sprains, dislocations and fractures. Fractures are simply a break in a bone caused by forces that exceed the strength of the osseous tissue in the bone. Most fractures are caused by excessive external forces and are classified as traumatic fractures.

A rarer type of break known as a pathologic fracture may be caused by diseases or disorders, such as osteoporosis, that weaken the bone to the point of fracturing under normal strain.... Move up/down/left/right: Click compass arrows Rotate image: Click and drag in any direction, anywhere in the frame Identify objects: Click on them in the image 2D Interactive 3D Rotate & Zoom Change Anatomical System Change View Angle Full Types of Bone Fractures Description [Continued from above] . . . Fractures can range in severity from minor inconveniences (requiring very little medical intervention) to severe, life-threatening injuries that take months or years for full recovery. Improper treatment of fractures can even lead to debilitating changes to the body’s strength and mobility. All bone fractures, regardless of cause, are sorted into two major classes: simple and compound fractures. Simple fractures, also called closed fractures, are broken bones that remain within the body and do not penetrate the skin. Compound fractures, also called open fractures, are broken bones that penetrate through the skin and expose the bone and deep tissues to the exterior environment.

Compound fractures are considered much more serious than simple fractures because they may be complicated by deep infections if pathogens enter the body through the wound. Antibiotics are often used to prevent possible infections that may be associated with compound fractures. Within the dichotomy of simple and compound fractures are many specific types of fractures. Comminuted fractures are severe fractures that involve the breaking of a bone into several smaller pieces. Greenstick fractures are breaks in bones along only one side of the bone caused by a force perpendicular to the bone’s long axis. Greenstick fractures are seen only in children whose developing bones are more flexible than adult bones and therefore tend to bend and only partially break instead of breaking completely. Another type of fracture known as avulsion fractures involves a small piece of bone being torn off from the main bone due to an extreme force applied to a ligament or tendon. Avulsion fractures may be caused by overexertion of muscles or sudden traumatic pulling of part of the body during an accident. Bone fractures may occur at many different angles depending on the direction in which a force is applied to a bone. Transverse fractures form perpendicular to the long axis of a bone and are the result of a force applied at a right angle to the bone.

Oblique fractures are slanted fractures that occur when a force is applied at any angle other than a right angle to the bone. Spiral fractures are the result of an extreme twisting force being exerted on a bone. The period immediately after a bone fracture is critical for the proper repair of the bone and healing of the affected tissues. Bones begin to heal very quickly after a fracture and the bone tissue will knit together with any nearby bone fragments to form a callus of cartilage and eventually new bone tissue. The ultimate goal of bone healing is to reach a proper union of the fractured bone pieces that restores the original bone anatomy and restores full function to the muscles and joints that move the bone. When a bone is broken, the first step in repair is to take an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis and to provide a clear picture of the type of fracture and the degree of displacement and misalignment. The first aim in treatment is to see that bone ends that abut each other are in alignment so that, when the fracture heals, the bone will retain its previous shape. Bone ends that have been displaced are manually maneuvered back into position.

The bone may be manipulated through the skin using a local or general anesthetic, or the bone may be repositioned by means of an operation during which the site is opened. Once the fracture has been placed in proper position, the bone is immobilized to allow the broken pieces to reunite firmly. In most cases a rigid cast is used to immobilize the bones for several weeks and achieve the proper union. In severe cases, the ends of the fractured bone may be fixed in place by metal pins connected to an external frame; once the fracture has healed, the pins and frame are removed. In other cases an operation is performed to open up the injury site and fasten together the bone pieces with metal screws, nails, plates, rods, or wires. Even after the bones have healed the metal hardware is left within the body permanently to prevent possible infection from a removal surgery. The older a person is, the longer it takes for a bone to heal; a child may recover within a few weeks and an elderly person may take several months. At all ages, some bones will heal faster than others. An arm may heal in a month, but a leg may take up to six months.

Once a bone mends, it is usually stronger along the fracture line than it was before the break. The elderly, as well as those in poor health, may experience a condition known as delayed union, where the bone takes longer than normal to heal. People in the risk groups for delayed union may also be susceptible to nonunion fractures where the bones fail to fuse together. Nonunion fractures may also occur in otherwise healthy people that have not had their bones medically treated or have suffered an infection or severe trauma to the soft tissues surrounding the fracture site. Another risk of avoiding medical treatment is the possibility of a malunion, where the bones are not properly aligned and fuse in a way that is not anatomically correct. The results of a malunion vary by severity and the region of the body affected, but may include pain, loss of mobility, and loss of bone and muscle strength. Prepared by Tim Taylor, Anatomy and Physiology Instructor Types of Bone Fractures: Healing Tailbone, Collarbone & Others Medical Author: Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Medical Editor: Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident. Share Your Story Bones make up the skeleton of the body. They allow us the ability to interact with our environment and lift out body up against gravity. Bones are attachment points for muscles which allows us to run, jump, sit, kneel, grasp, and lift. Bones also protect organs from potential damage, and the bone marrow (tissue inside of bones) is responsible for blood cell production. Bones are the body's storage area for calcium. On a cellular level, calcium is always entering and exiting bone under the influence of the body's hormones.

Parathyroid hormone increases calcium levels in the bloodstream, meaning, that it regulates it's release by bone and decreasing bone density . Calcitonin decreases blood calcium levels and helps restore calcium to bone. Calcium is needed in the blood stream to help muscle cells including the heart to function. Hormone levels will sacrifice calcium in bone to maintain blood calcium levels in a normal range. For that reason, calcium and Vitamin D are important to maintain calcium stores in the body. What causes a broken bone? Share Your Story When a bone has an outside force exerted upon it, like a blow or a fall, there is potential that it cannot withstand the amount of force and it breaks. That loss of integrity results in a fracture. It is important to remember that a fracture, break, or crack all describe the same situation, an injury to the bone where it has been damaged. One term is not more serious than another. Fracture, break, and crack all mean the same thing. Depending upon the situation, the amount of force required may not be very great.

People with osteoporosis , the bones lack calcium and are brittle, a minor injury or even gravity may create enough of a force to cause a vertebral compression fracture of the back or a hip fracture . Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 8/12/2016 Fractures: Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis - Medical News Today Fractures: Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis Written by Christian Nordqvist A fracture, also referred to as a bone fracture, x or # is a medical condition where the continuity of the bone is broken. A significant percentage of bone fractures occur because of high force impact or stress . However, a fracture may also be the result of some medical conditions which weaken the bones, for example osteoporosis , some cancers or osteogenesis imperfecta. A fracture caused by a medical condition is known as a pathological fracture. Contents of this article: Fast facts on fractures Here are some key points about fractures. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.

Most bone fractures are caused by falls and accidents Bone fractures caused by disease are referred to as pathological fractures A compound fracture is one that also causes injury to the overlying skin Around half of women over 50 years of age will have a fracture There are a number of different types of fractures, including avulsion, comminuted and hairline fractures Symptoms of bone fractures include pain, swelling and bruising Stress fractures resulting from repetitive movements are relatively common The best way to diagnose a fracture is by X-ray Bone healing is a natural process, treatment revolves around giving the bone optimum conditions to heal itself. What is a bone fracture? The word "break" is commonly used by lay (non-professional) people. Fractures can occur in any bone of the body. Among health care professionals, especially bone specialists, such as orthopedic surgeons, "break" is a much less common term when talking about bones. A crack (not only a break) in the bone is also known as a fracture. Fractures can occur in any bone in the body.

There are several different ways in which a bone can fracture; for example a clean break to the bone that does not damage surrounding tissue or tear through the skin is known as a closed fracture or a simple fracture. On the other hand, one that damages surrounding skin or tissue is known as a compound fracture or an open fracture. Compound or open fractures are generally more serious than simple fractures, with a much higher risk of infection. Most human bones are surprisingly strong and can generally stand up to fairly strong impacts or forces. However, if that force is too powerful, or there is something wrong with the bone, it can fracture. The older we get the less force our bones can withstand. Approximately 50% of women and about 20% of men have a fracture after they are 50 years old (Source: National Health Service, UK). Because children's bones are more elastic, when they do have fractures they tend to be different. Children also have growth plates at the end of their bones - areas of growing bone - which may sometimes be damaged.

Types of bone fracture Avulsion fracture - a muscle or ligament pulls on the bone, fracturing it Comminuted fracture - the bone is shattered into many pieces Compression (crush) fracture - generally occurs in the spongy bone in the spine. For example, the front portion of a vertebra in the spine may collapse due to osteoporosis Fracture dislocation - a joint becomes dislocated, and one of the bones of the joint has a fracture Greenstick fracture - the bone partly fractures on one side, but does not break completely because the rest of the bone can bend. More common among children, whose bones are softer and more elastic Hairline fracture - a partial fracture of the bone.

Often this type of fracture is harder to detect Impacted fracture - when the bone is fractured, one fragment of bone goes into another Longitudinal fracture - the break is along the length of the bone Oblique fracture - A fracture that is diagonal to a bone's long axis Pathological fracture - when an underlying disease or condition has already weakened the bone, resulting in a fracture (bone fracture caused by an underlying disease/condition that weakened the bone) Spiral fracture - A fracture where at least one part of the bone has been twisted Stress fracture - more common among athletes. A bone breaks because of repeated stresses and strains Torus (buckle) fracture - bone deforms but does not crack. More common in children. It is painful but stable Transverse fracture - a straight break right across a bone. Symptoms of bone fractures The signs and symptoms of a fracture vary according to which bone is affected, the patient's age and general health, as well as the severity of the injury. However, they may include some of the following: Symptoms of a bone fracture can vary wildly depending on the affected region and severity.

Pain Discolored skin around the affected area Angulation - the affected area may be bent at an unusual angle The patient is unable to put weight on the injured area The patient cannot move the affected area The affected bone or joint may have a grating sensation If it is an open fracture there may be bleeding. When a large bone is affected, such as the pelvis or femur: The sufferer may look pale and clammy There may be dizziness (feeling faint) Feelings of sickness and nausea. If possible, do not move a person with a broken bone until a health care professional is present and can assess the situation and, if required, apply a splint. Obviously, if the patient is in a dangerous place, such as in the middle of a busy road, one sometimes has to act before the emergency services arrive. Causes of bone fractures The majority of fractures are caused by a bad fall or automobile accident. Healthy bones are extremely tough and resilient and can withstand surprisingly powerful impacts. When people enter old age two factors make their risk of fractures greater; weaker bones and a greater risk of falling. Children, who tend to have more physically active lifestyles than adults, are also prone to fractures.

People with underlying illnesses and conditions that may weaken their bones also have a higher risk of fractures. Examples include osteoporosis, infection, or a tumor . As mentioned earlier, this type of fracture is known as a pathological fracture. Stress fractures, which result from repeated stresses and strains, commonly found among professional sports people, are also common causes of fractures. On the next page, we look at diagnosis, treatment, complications and prevention of bone fractures. Fractures | definition of Fractures by Medical dictionary Fractures | definition of Fractures by Medical dictionary Definition A fracture is a complete or incomplete break in a bone resulting from the application of excessive force. Description A fracture usually results from traumatic injury to bones causing the continuity of bone tissues or bony cartilage to be disrupted or broken. Fracture classifications include simple, compound, incomplete and complete. Simple fractures (more recently called "closed") are not obvious as the skin has not been ruptured and remains intact. Compound fractures (now commonly called "open") break the skin, exposing bone and causing additional soft tissue injury and possible infection. A single fracture means that one fracture only has occurred and multiple fractures refer to more than one fracture occurring in the same bone.

Fractures are termed complete if the break is completely through the bone and described as incomplete or "greenstick" if the fracture occurs partly across a bone shaft. This latter type of fracture is often the result of bending or crushing forces applied to a bone. Fractures are also named according to the specific part of the bone involved and the nature of the break. Identification of a fracture line can further classify fractures. Types include linear, oblique, transverse, longitudinal, and spiral fractures. Fractures can be further subdivided by the positions of bony fragments and are described as comminuted, non-displaced, impacted, overriding, angulated, displaced, avulsed, and segmental. Additionally, an injury may be classified as a fracture-dislocation when a fracture involves the bony structures of any joint with associated dislocation of the same joint. Fractures line identification Linear fractures have a break that runs parallel to the bone's main axis or in the direction of the bone's shaft. For example, a linear fracture of the arm bone could extend the entire length of the bone. Oblique and transverse fractures differ in that an oblique fracture crosses a bone at approximately a 45° angle to the bone's axis.

In contrast, a transverse fracture crosses a bone's axis at a 90° angle. A longitudinal fracture is similar to a linear fracture. Its fracture line extends along the shaft but is more irregular in shape and does not run parallel to the bone's axis. Spiral fractures are described as crossing a bone at an oblique angle, creating a spiral pattern. This break usually occurs in the long bones of the body such as the upper arm bone (humerus) or the thigh bone (femur). Bony fragment position identification Comminuted fractures have two or more fragments broken into small pieces, in addition to the upper and lower halves of a fractured bone. Fragments of bone that maintain their normal alignment following a fracture are described as being non-displaced. An impacted fracture is characterized as a bone fragment forced into or onto another fragment resulting from a compressive force. Overriding is a term used to describe bony fragments that overlap and shorten the total length of a bone. Angulated fragments result in pieces of bone being at angles to each other. A displaced bony fragment occurs from disruption of normal bone alignment with deformity of these segments separate from one another.

An avulsed fragment occurs when bone fragments are pulled from their normal position by forceful muscle contractions or resistance from ligaments. Segmental fragmented positioning occurs if fractures in two adjacent areas occur, leaving an isolated central segment. An example of segmental alignment is when the arm bone fractures in two separate places, with displacement of the middle section of bone. Causes and symptoms Individuals with high activity levels appear to be at greater risk for fractures. This group includes children and athletes participating in contact sports. Because of an increase in bone brittleness with aging , elderly persons are also included in this high-risk population. Up to the age of 50, more men suffer from fractures than women due to occupational hazards. However, after the age of 50, women are more prone to fractures than men. Specific diseases causing an increased risk for fractures include Paget's disease, rickets , osteogenesis imperfecta, osteoporosis, bone cancer and tumors, and prolonged disuse of a nonfunctional body part such as after a stroke . Symptoms of fractures usually begin with pain that increases with attempted movement or use of the area and swelling at the involved site. The skin in the area may be pale and an obvious deformity may be present.

In more severe cases, there may be a loss of pulse below the fracture site, such as in the extremities, accompanied by numbness, tingling, or paralysis below the fracture. An open or compound fracture is often accompanied by bleeding or bruising. If the lower limbs or pelvis are fractured, pain and resistance to movement usually accompany the injury causing difficulty with weight bearing. Diagnosis Diagnosis begins immediately with an individual's own observation of symptoms. A thorough medical history and physical exam by a physician often reveals the presence of a fracture. An x ray of the injured area is the most common test used to determine the presence of a bone fracture. Any x ray series performed involves at least two views of the area to confirm the presence of the fracture because not all fractures are apparent on a single x ray. Some fractures are often difficult to see and may require several views at different angles to see clear fracture lines. In some cases, CT, MRI or other imaging tests are required to demonstrate fracture. Sometimes, especially with children, the initial x ray may not show any fractures but repeat seven to 14 days later may show changes in the bone(s) of the affected area.

If a fracture is open and occurs in conjunction with soft tissue injury, further laboratory studies are often conducted to determine if blood loss has occurred. In the event of exercise-related stress fractures (micro-fractures due to excessive stress), a tuning fork can provide a simple, inexpensive test. The tuning fork is a metal instrument with a stem and two prongs that vibrate when struck. If an individual has increased pain when the tuning fork is placed on a bone, such as the tibia or shinbone, the likelihood of a stress fracture is high. Bone scans also are helpful in detecting stress fractures. In this diagnostic procedure, a radioactive tracer is injected into the bloodstream and images are taken of specific areas or the entire skeleton by CT or MRI. Fractures usually result from a traumatic injury to a bone where the continuity of bone tissues or bony cartilage is disrupted or broken. The illustrations above feature common sites where fractures occur. (Illustration by Electronic Illustrators Group.) Treatment Treatment depends on the type of fracture, its severity, the individual's age and general health. The first priority in treating any fracture is to address the entire medical status of the patient.

Medical personnel are trained not allow a painful, deformed limb to distract them from potentially life-threatening injury elsewhere or shock . If an open fracture is accompanied by serious soft tissue injury, it may be necessary to control bleeding and the shock that can accompany loss of blood. First aid is the appropriate initial treatment in emergency situations. It includes proper splinting, control of blood loss, and monitoring vital signs such as breathing and circulation. Immobilization Immobilization of a fracture site can be done internally or externally. The primary goal of immobilization is to maintain the realignment of a bone long enough for healing to start and progress. Immobilization by external fixation uses splints, casts, or braces. This may be the primary and only procedure for fracture treatment. Splinting to immobilize a fracture can be done with or without traction . In emergency situations if the injured individual must be moved by someone other than a trained medical person, splinting is a useful form of fracture management. It should be done without causing additional pain and without moving the bone segments. In a clinical environment, plaster of Paris casts are used for immobilization. Braces are useful as they often allow movement above and below a fracture site.

Treatments for stress fractures include rest and decreasing or stopping any activity that causes or increases pain. Fracture reduction Fracture reduction is the procedure by which a fractured bone is realigned in normal position. It can be either closed or open. Closed reduction refers to realigning bones without breaking the skin. It is performed with manual manipulation and/or traction and is commonly done with some kind of anesthetic. Open reduction primarily refers to surgery that is performed to realign bones or fragments. Fractures with little or no displacement may not require any form of reduction. Traction is used to help reposition a broken bone. It works by applying pressure to restore proper alignment. The traction device immobilizes the area and maintains realignment as the bone heals. A fractured bone is immobilized by applying opposing force at both ends of the injured area, using an equal amount of traction and countertraction. Weights provide the traction pull needed or the pull is achieved by positioning the individual's body weight appropriately. Traction is a form of closed reduction and is sometimes used as an alternative to surgery. Since it restricts movement of the affected limb or body part, it may confine a person to bed rest for an extended period of time.

A person may need open reduction if there is an open, severe, or comminuted fracture. This procedure allows a physician to examine and surgically correct associated soft tissue damage while reducing the fracture and, if necessary, applying internal or external devices. Internal fixation involves the use of metallic devices inserted into or through bone to hold the fracture in a set position and alignment while it heals. Devices include plates, nails, screws, and rods. When healing is complete, the surgeon may or may not remove these devices. Virtually any hip fracture requires open reduction and internal fixation so that the bone will be able to support the patient's weight. Alternative treatment In addition to the importance of calcium for strong bones, many alternative treatment approaches recommend use of mineral supplements to help build and maintain a healthy, resilient skeleton. Some physical therapists use electro-stimulation over a fractured site to promote and expedite healing. Chinese traditional medicine may be helpful by working to reconnect chi through the meridian lines along the line of a fracture. Homeopathy can enhance the body's healing process. Two particularly useful homeopathic remedies are Arnica (Arnica montana) and Symphytum (Symphytum officinalis).

If possible, applying contrast hydrotherapy to an extremity (e.g., a hand or foot) of a fractured area can assist healing by enhancing circulation. Key terms Avulsion fracture — A fracture caused by the tearing away of a fragment of bone where a strong ligament or tendon attachment forcibly pulls the fragment away from the bone tissue. Axis — A line that passes through the center of the body or body part. Comminuted fracture — A fracture where there are several breaks in a bone creating numerous fragments. Compartment syndrome — Compartment syndrome is a condition in which a muscle swells but is constricted by the connective tissue around it, which cuts off blood supply to the muscle. Contrast hydrotherapy — A series of hot and cold water applications. A hot compress (as hot as an individual can tolerate) is applied for three minutes followed by an ice cold compress for 30 seconds. These applications are repeated three times each and ending with the cold compress. Osteogenesis imperfecta — A genetic disorder involving defective development of connective tissues, characterized by brittle and fragile bones that are easily fractured by the slightest trauma.

Osteoporosis — Literally meaning "porous bones," this condition occurs when bones lose an excessive amount of their protein and mineral content, particularly calcium. Over time, bone mass and strength are reduced leading to increased risk of fractures. Paget's disease — Chromic disorder of unknown cause, usually affecting middle aged and elderly people, characterized by enlarged and deformed bones. Excessive breakdown and formation of bone tissue occurs with Paget's disease and can cause bone to weaken, resulting in bone pain, arthritis, deformities, and fractures. Reduction — The restoration of a body part to its original position after displacement, such as the reduction of a fractured bone by bringing ends or fragments back into original alignment. The useof local or general anesthesia usually accompanies a fracture reduction. If performed by outside manipulation only, the reduction is described as closed; if surgery is necessary, it is described as open. Rickets — A condition caused by the dietary deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, and usually phosphorus, seen primarily in infancy and childhood, and characterized by abnormal bone formation. Traction — The process of placing a bone, limb, or group of muscles under tension by applying weights and pulleys.

The goal is to realign or immobilize the part or to relieve pressure on that particular area to promote healing and restore function. Prognosis Fractures involving joint surfaces almost always lead to some degree of arthritis of the joint. Fractures can normally be cured with proper first aid and appropriate aftercare. If determined necessary by a physician, the fractured site should be manipulated, realigned, and immobilized as soon as possible. Realignment has been shown to be much more difficult after six hours. Healing time varies from person to person with the elderly generally needing more time to heal completely. A non-union fracture may result when a fracture does not heal, such as in the case of an elderly person or an individual with medical complications. Recovery is complete when there is no bone motion at the fracture site, and x rays indicate complete healing. Open fractures may lead to bone infections, which delay the healing process. Another possible complication is compartment syndrome, a painful condition resulting from the expansion of enclosed tissue and that may occur when a body part is immobilized in a cast. Prevention Adequate calcium intake is necessary for strong bones and can help decrease the risk of fractures. People whodonot getenough calcium in their diets can take a calcium supplement.

Exercise can help strengthen bones by increasing bone density, thereby decreasing the risk of fractures from falls. A University of Southern California study reported that older people who exercised one or more hours per day had approximately half the incidence of hip fractures as those who exercised fewer than 30 minutes per day or not at all. Fractures can be prevented if safety measures are taken seriously. These measures include using seat belts in cars and encouraging children to wear protective sports gear. Estrogen replacement for women past the age of 50 has been shown to help prevent osteoporosis and the fractures that may result from this condition. In one study, elderly women on estrogen replacement therapy demonstrated the lowest occurrence of hip fractures when compared to similar women not on estrogen replacement therapy. Resources Bone Fractures in Cats Bone Fractures in Cats Email Article When abnormal stress is placed upon the skeletal system, fractures or breaks of the bones may occur. All the possible fracture types and the proper corrections of fractures are described by difficult terminology. Basically, we refer to fractures not only based on the name of the bone broken but also on the characteristics of the break itself.

Types of fractures There are four commonly seen fractures in the cat: closed, compound, epiphyseal (growth plate), and greenstick (hairline). These first three types can be further characterized by whether they are simple fractures in which the bone breaks into only 2 or 3 pieces, or comminuted where the bone shatters into many pieces. Closed Fractures: Closed fractures are those in which the skin is not broken. The bone is fractured, but the overlying skin is intact. Greenstick Fractures: Greenstick fractures are small cracks within the bone which leave the bone basically intact, but cracked. In other words, the bone is not completely broken. Compound Fractures: Compound fractures are breaks in which the broken bone protrudes through the skin, and is exposed to the outside. Compound fractures are risky in that the bones can be contaminated with dirt and debris, resulting in an infection. Epiphyseal Fractures: Epiphyseal fractures are commonly seen in young, growing cats. In animals less than one year of age, there are soft areas near the ends of each long bone where growth takes place. These soft areas are referred to as growth plates or epiphyseal plates.

Because these are areas of growth, they are rich in immature non-calcified cells that form a soft, spongy area of the bone. These growth plates are more easily fractured because they are the weakest part of the bone. The distal ends of the femur (thigh bone) and humerus (upper front leg) seem to be particularly susceptible to this fracture. What are the symptoms and risks of fractures? The symptoms and risks depend on what area and to what extent the bone is fractured. Fractures involving a joint are the most serious. A broken back may displace the spinal cord and cause complete paralysis . All fractures, however, are serious and should be treated at once. When a bone within a leg is broken, the cat will usually hold the entire leg off the ground. Usually no weight is placed on the paw. With a sprain or lesser injury, the cat may use the leg somewhat, but walk with a limp. What is the management? Just as in human medicine, splints, casts, pins, steel plates, and screws can be used to realign the bone and allow healing. The treatment depends on the type of fracture, age of the cat, and which bone is broken.

Compound fractures in which the risk of infection is high are treated differently than closed fractures. Growing kittens may heal in as little as five weeks, and because of their size they put less weight on the bone. Therefore, a fracture in a young kitten may be treated with a cast but the same fracture may need to be 'pinned' in a geriatric (senior) cat in which healing may take twelve weeks or more. Hairline fractures may only require rest, while surgical intervention will usually be needed in more severe fractures. Careful evaluation by a veterinarian will determine the proper treatment. How Bones Break | ASU - Ask A Biologist Ask A Biologist show/hide words to know Calcium: a mineral which makes bones hard and strong. Compound fracture: a broken bone that has broken through the skin, also known as an open fracture. Immobilize: to prevent something from moving. Impact fracture: a broken bone that was caused by a sudden impact. Osteoporosis: a disease, usually only seen in elderly people, where bones become weak and are easily broken... more Pathological fracture: when disease makes bones weak, causing them to break more easily than healthy bones.

Simple fracture: a broken bone that has not broken through the skin, also known as a closed fracture. Stress fracture: broken bones that result from pressure on the same spot over long periods of time. How do bones break? Bones usually have no problem supporting your body as you go about your daily activities, including exercise and play. They are strong and flexible enough to absorb the light impact your body experiences during these activities. Once in a while, a bone is put under more stress than it can handle. When that happens, it breaks. A broken bone is called a fracture by doctors. There are three main types of fractures: stress fractures, impact fractures, and pathological fractures. Stress over time Stress fractures happen when too much pressure is placed on the same spot on a bone over long periods of time. Over time, the pressure from small impacts weakens the bone until it begins to crack along the surface. These cracks can be very small at first but get bigger and bigger if they are not given a chance to heal. A common stress fracture happens in the legs and feet of runners and athletes. Athletes make their bodies work very hard in order to become stronger and faster.

They sometimes perform the same exercise many times in a row to become better at it and build larger muscles. Fractures are especially likely to happen when the muscles are tired. When the body is worn out, stress which would normally be absorbed by the muscle goes straight to the bone instead. The long thin bones on the top of the foot as well as the heel bone which absorbs the impact of every step when running are especially likely to fracture this way. Sudden impacts Sudden impact fractures happen when a bone takes a sudden, hard hit that puts more stress on it than it can handle at once. Unlike stress fractures that build up over time, impact fractures happen in a single moment, like snapping a dry piece of wood in half. Things that might cause impact fractures include a fall, a strong direct hit from an accident while playing a sport, or a car crash. Sick bones Certain diseases can make bones thinner and more fragile. When that happens, it's possible for bones to break from regular everyday activities that would not normally cause a fracture in a healthy person. People who know that they have weak bones need to be extra careful and try to avoid doing things that cause sudden impacts to their bones.

Osteoporosis is one of the diseases that can cause weak bones. It occurs mostly in women and elderly people. This disease makes it more difficult for calcium and other minerals important to bone strength to stay in the bones. Luckily, simple lifestyle choices like good diet and exercise can help prevent osteoporosis, and help treat it once it's already begun. There are also many medications that can help. Are all broken bones the same? Now that you understand how bones break, let's take a look at the many different kinds of fractures. When a movie character breaks a bone, they usually end up with part of the bone poking out of their skin. This can happen, but doesn't happen every time a bone breaks. Fractures can be closed (simple) or open (compound). This tells you whether or not the bone has broken through the skin. A simple fracture, also known as a closed fracture, means that no part of the bone has broken through the skin. A compound fracture, also known as an open fracture, means that the bone has broken through the skin. There is a much higher risk of infection with compound fractures since the bone gets exposed to air, dirt, and bacteria from the environment.

Because of this, compound fractures must be treated and watched much more carefully than simple fractures. Fractures are also categorized based on the shape of the break. There are eight main shapes or kinds of bone fractures. Transverse fractures go more or less straight across the bone. Oblique fractures are diagonal breaks across the bone. Spiral fractures happen when one or both halves of the bone are twisted. Comminuated fractures break the bone into more than two pieces. Avulsion fractures mean pieces of the bone have been pulled apart. Impacted fractures are the opposite of avulsion fractures. These happen when a piece of bone is pushed down into another piece of bone. Fissure fractures are cracks in the bone. Greenstick fractures happen when the bone bends and breaks partially, but not completely. Have you ever tried breaking a fresh twig of wood? Instead of snapping in half like a dry piece of wood, it tends to break on the outside but only bend in the middle. This is what a greenstick fracture looks like. This kind of fracture is more common in children and teenagers than in adults. As a person ages, their bones become harder and more brittle. Kids' bones, on the other hand, are much more flexible.

This makes them more likely to bend in the middle instead of breaking all the way through. Commonly broken bones What would you guess are the most commonly broken bones in the human body? If you guessed something in the arms or hands, you are correct! Bones in this area are more likely to be broken than bones in other parts of the body because we tend to use our arms and hands the most when trying to break a fall. As it turns out, the clavicle, also known as the collar bone, located between your shoulder and the front of the neck, is the bone which is most likely to get broken in the human body. The clavicles can be easily fractured by impacts to the shoulder, from the force of falling on outstretched arms, and by a direct hit. In case you are wondering, here is the list of the top five bones commonly broken in the human body. Clavicle - as the number one most broken bone, there are many ways it can happen. This bone can even break in a newborn baby as they move through the birth canal. The good news is new born babies have bones that heal very fast.

Arm - this can be the radius, or ulna bones in the lower part of the arm, or the humerus bone of the upper arm - which is not very funny. Wrist - like the arm bones, the wrist can end up with a lot of the force on them when we place our arms out during a fall - like when skateboarding. Hip - this bone is the most commonly broken bone for people over the age of 65. Women in this age group have the highest rate of fractures due to calcium loss (osteoporosis). Ankle - everything from taking a wrong step off a curb, or twisting an ankle playing sports or when out for a hike can cause a break. In some cases when you twist an ankle you might think you have something like a sprain, but broken ankles and sprains can seem similar. It is always good to check with your doctor if you hurt your ankle. Detecting a broken bone Broken bones sometimes feel and look the same as muscle pain or other kinds of injuries. This makes it very important for doctors to assess an injury before treating someone for a broken bone. There's usually swelling, bruising and pain when you touch or put weight on the injured spot.

Stress fractures are especially tricky to detect due to the fact that they build up over time. Unlike impact fractures, there isn't always a specific moment when the break occurred which the patient can remember. So how do you know if your bone is really fractured? The most common way to find out whether or not a bone is really broken is by taking an x-ray image of it. This also tells the doctor how bad the fracture is and exactly where it's located. Detailed bone scans are also sometimes used instead of x-ray images to detect very small cracks. These can be used to see itsy bitsy fractures that aren't always visible with an x-ray. How to fix a broken bone The human body is very good at repairing itself after an injury, and it comes equipped with all the tools it needs to fix fractures. Doctors work together with the body by creating the best possible conditions for healing. After that, it's just a matter of standing back and giving the body time to do its job. Sometimes the body does such a good job at healing a bone that after it heals it's impossible to tell the bone was ever broken!

Cast To create the perfect environment for a bone to heal, it's important to keep the broken bone in one place and prevent it from moving (also known as 'immobilizing' it). This provides support by taking pressure off the break so it will heal more quickly. It also keeps the pieces aligned to prevent the bone from healing crookedly. The most common way to immobilize and protect a broken bone is by putting a cast or splint around it. A cast is a hard shell usually made of plaster or fiberglass. A splint is a hard support similar to a cast which can be worn temporarily and is easily removed. Little bones such as toes that are too small for casts are usually held in place next to the other toes using special tape. If the broken bone is in the leg or foot, crutches are often used to keep weight off the injured leg. If part of the arm is broken, a sling can be used in addition to a cast to help hold it in place. Surgery Surgery is sometimes needed to help realign the bones when there are too many broken pieces or a very complicated fracture which won't stay still any other way. In these cases, metal screws, pins, rods, and plates are used to hold the bone together.

Sometimes these are temporary and can be removed once the bone heals, but other times they're left in place permanently to help make the bone stronger. How to make your bones stronger You can't make sure that you will never fall off of your bike or fall down, but there are a couple of things you can do to help reduce the chance that you will break a bone from accidents like these. Exercise Physical activity is an important part of building strong bones. Many studies have shown bones that aren't used much become thinner and weaker over time, while bones that are used regularly during exercise become stronger and thicker from the stress of your muscles pulling on your bones. The stronger the bone, the less likely it is to break in an accident. Lifting weights and other high intensity activities are especially good for building strong bones. Eat Healthy Bones need the right kind of nutrients and minerals from the food you eat to grow and become strong, which is why it's important to eat healthy, balanced meals every day. The two most important nutrients for bones are calcium and vitamin D. Calcium is used by most cells in your body to signal different processes. It's also what makes your bones strong and hard.

Most of the calcium in your body, almost 99%, is stored in your bones. Your bones act like a warehouse, storing extra nutrients so they can supply calcium and other minerals to your body when it needs them. Calcium comes from dairy foods such as milk, cheese, and ice cream. Dark-green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and collard greens are a good source of calcium as well. Vitamin D helps to control how calcium and other minerals are used in the body and how much of these are getting stored in the bones. Vitamin D comes from liver, whole eggs, and certain fish. You can also get Vitamin D directly from sunlight on your skin! Many foods found in the grocery store, such as butter, cereal and orange juice, also now come fortified with vitamin D. Fortified means that extra nutrients have been added. Don't smoke In addition to causing major damage to your heart, lungs, throat, and teeth, smoking cigarettes is bad for your bones. Tobacco smoke makes osteoblasts (the cells which create new bones) work more slowly, which means the bones of someone who smokes get thinner and more fragile over time.

Weak bones are more likely to break from an impact and take longer to heal when broken. Luckily, bones slowly become strong again as soon as a person quits smoking. This is just one of the many good reasons that you should never smoke! Types of Bone Fractures: Buckle Fracture, Stress Fracture, Comminuted Fracture, and More What Are Fractures? A fracture is the medical term for a broken bone. Fractures are common; the average person has two during a lifetime. They occur when the physical force exerted on the bone is stronger than the bone itself. Your risk of fracture depends, in part, on your age. Broken bones are very common in childhood, although children's fractures are generally less complicated than fractures in adults. As you age, your bones become more brittle and you are more likely to suffer fractures from falls that would not occur when you were young. There are many types of fractures, but the main categories are displaced, non-displaced, open, and closed. Displaced and non-displaced fractures refer to the way the bone breaks. In a displaced fracture, the bone snaps into two or more parts and moves so that the two ends are not lined up straight.

If the bone is in many pieces, it is called a comminuted fracture. In a non-displaced fracture, the bone cracks either part or all of the way through, but does move and maintains its proper alignment. A closed fracture is when the bone breaks but there is no puncture or open wound in the skin . An open fracture is one in which the bone breaks through the skin ; it may then recede back into the wound and not be visible through the skin. This is an important difference from a closed fracture because with an open fracture there is a risk of a deep bone infection. Some fracture types are: A Greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture in which the bone is bent. This type occurs most often in children. A transverse fracture is when the broken piece of bone is at a right angle to the bone's axis. An oblique fracture is when the break has a curved or sloped pattern. A comminuted fracture is when the bone breaks into several pieces. A buckled fracture, also known as an impacted fracture, is one whose ends are driven into each other. This is commonly seen in arm fractures in children. A pathologic fracture is caused by a disease that weakens the bones.

A stress fracture is a hairline crack. The severity of a fracture depends upon its location and the damage done to the bone and tissue near it. Serious fractures can have dangerous complications if not treated promptly; possible complications include damage to blood vessels or nerves and infection of the bone ( osteomyelitis ) or surrounding tissue. Recuperation time varies depending on the age and health of the patient and the type of fracture. A minor fracture in a child may heal within a few weeks; a serious fracture in an older person may take months to heal. WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on March 16, 2015 Sources Greenstick Fracture - Incompletely Broken Bone in Children By Jonathan Cluett, MD - Reviewed by a board-certified physician. Updated July 15, 2016 Broken bones are common injuries, and many children will experience at least one fracture in their growing years. Children's fractures are different from adults. Because a child's bone is rapidly growing their fractures occur in different ways, and they are managed differently. Flexible Bones Because a child's bones are much more flexible than adult bone, an incomplete, or 'greenstick,' fracture may occur.

A " greenstick fracture " means that one side of the fracture has broken and one side is bent; therefore it is classified as an incomplete break. The name for a greenstick fracture comes from the analogy of breaking a young, fresh tree branch. The broken branch snaps on one side (the outer side of the bend), while the inner side is bent, and still in continuity. Treatment of Greenstick Fractures If the fractured bone is not badly bent out of alignment, then nothing more than a splint or cast may need to be done. A growing skeleton has a remarkable ability to remodel bone such that fractures can relaign with time. The ability to remodel a fracture is dependent on a number of factors, most importantly the age of the patient. The younger the patient, the better ability to heal the fracture with noninvasive treatments.

Question: In the human body, Stress, Greenstick and Compound are all types of what?
Answer: Bone fracture