Is a broken bone the same as a fracture?
You may have heard people talk about bone fractures and broken bones. The terms are actually interchangeable and both refer to a bone that has been shattered, often by excessive force. Your doctor may be more likely to use the term fracture. To be frank, the term fracture is more “professional” sounding.
How do you know if it’s not a fracture?
Deformity is possibly the best indication of a bone fracture. Any time your arm or leg bends where it isn’t supposed to, it’s a sign that a bone is not in place. This is also true if a bone is sticking out through the skin. However, there are times when the bone could just be dislocated and not broken.
What are the four types of fracture?
Although there are many types of bone fractures, there are four main categories a fracture usually falls under: displaced, non-displaced, open and closed. We’ll start with the most grueling first: open and closed fractures.
What causes a simple fracture?
Causes of Simple Fractures. A bone is fractured when it is placed under intense force or stress that is stronger than the bone itself. This is often caused by a fall or impact with an object.
What is the treatment for a simple fracture?
Surgery may be required to treat a simple fracture. Casts are often used to treat simple bone fractures. Comminuted fractures are common among the elderly, as their bones are often more brittle than those of younger people. MRI scans may be used to accurately diagnose the severity of a fracture.
What is the most common type of fracture?
The most common fractures involve the clavicle (collarbone), the forearm (radius and ulna ), the wrist, the ankle and the hip. Closed fractures are more common than open fractures (the skin overlying the injury is intact and not damaged). In children, a fracture of the distal radius is most common.