Fractures

Fractures are complete or partial bone breaks. Broken bones are common, and occur when the physical force exerted on them is stronger than the bone itself. The main categories of fractures are displaced, non-displaced, open, and closed.

Displaced fractures involve the bone breaking into two or more parts, causing the bone alignment to be off. Non-displaced fractures involve a crack in the bone, without the alignment being thrown off. An open fracture involves the bone breaking through the skin, while a closed fracture involves a bone break without a puncture or open wound in the skin.

What are the treatments for fractures?

Usually x-rays can detect a fracture, but in some cases, other tests (such as MRIs and CT scans) are necessary. This is especially true, depending on the area of the break. If you think you have broken a bone, seek immediate medical help. Make sure you protect the broken area so that you can avoid further damage. Broken arms and legs should be held in place with a splint. If the area is bleeding, be sure to apply pressure to stop the blood before using gauze and a splint. Fractured bones need to be held in place so that they can heal properly over time. Surgery, pins, plates, rods, screws, and glue are all options for holding a fracture in place.

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