What is a fracture?

A fracture is a partial of complete break in the bone.  When a fracture occurs it is classified as either an open or closed fracture:

Open Fracture:  (also called a simple fracture)  The bone exits the skin and is visible

Closed Fracture:  (also called a compound fracture)  The bone is broken but the skin is not affected and it is still intact.

What are the Mechanical Stresses that result in fractures?

• Tension- force that pulls/stretches tissue.  Opposite ends pull away.
• Compression- enough energy to crush tissue.  Opposite ends come together.
• Shearing- forces move along parellel to each other.
• Torsion- a twisting motion
• Bending- compression on one side and tension on the other side. 

Types of Fractures Greenstick:  incomplete break, like a tree limb breaking Longitudinal:  breaks right down the center, it splits the length Oblique: breaks at an angle Comminuted:  multiple pieces Spiral:  "S" shaped, caused by torsion Open Displaced:  through the skin Transverse:  straight across, horizontal breaking Avulsion:  separation of bone fragment, bone chip Stress Fracture:  usually transverse, caused by repetition

Treatment of Fractures

Treatment is different for different parts of the body but in general fractures need splinting, casting, and may sometimes need surgery.  It takes up to 2 years for a fracture to be completely restored.

Factors that can interfere with fracture healing:

• -poor blood supply
• -poor immobolization (dont take your cast off!)
• -infection (common with open fractures)