Top Menu

Menu
Menu

Fractures

Summary

A fracture is a break, usually in a bone. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open or compound fracture. Fractures commonly happen because of car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Other causes are low bone density and osteoporosis, which cause weakening of the bones. Overuse can cause stress fractures, which are very small cracks in the bone.

Symptoms of a fracture are

  • Intense pain
  • Deformity – the limb looks out of place
  • Swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the injury
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Problems moving a limb

You need to get medical care right away for any fracture. An x-ray can tell if your bone is broken. You may need to wear a cast or splint. Sometimes you need surgery to put in plates, pins or screws to keep the bone in place.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Array

Specifics

Prevention and Risk Factors

Encyclopedia

Diagnosis and Tests

Children

Statistics and Research

Clinical Trials

Seniors

Treatments and Therapies

Health Check Tools

Living With

Find an Expert

Journal Articles

Patient Handouts

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Community Health

Your Health Our Mission