Fractures
What Are Fractures & Broken Bones?
A fracture, or broken bone, occurs when a bone cracks or breaks due to excessive force. This can happen during a fall, impact, sports injury, or any type of trauma. Because the body contains more than 200 bones, fractures can vary widely in severity and location.
Common symptoms include intense pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and sometimes deformity of the injured area. You may also notice difficulty moving the affected part of the body, such as trouble walking with a broken leg or limited arm or hand movement with an upper extremity fracture.
A suspected fracture should always be evaluated by a doctor or orthopedic specialist. Proper diagnosis ensures the right treatment plan, and recovery depends on which bone is injured, how it broke, and whether the pieces remain aligned.
Types of Fractures
Closed Fracture
A break where the bone remains inside the skin. These fractures can range from mild to severe and may require immobilization, or in some cases, surgery.
Open Fracture
A more serious injury where the broken bone penetrates the skin. This increases the risk of infection and typically requires urgent surgical treatment.
Displaced Fracture
The bone breaks into two or more pieces and no longer lines up correctly. Surgery is often needed to restore proper alignment.
Non-Displaced Fracture
The bone breaks but remains aligned. These injuries may heal successfully with casting or splinting.
Comminuted Fracture
The bone shatters into three or more pieces. This type often requires surgery for stabilization.
Greenstick Fracture
A partial fracture in which the bone bends and cracks but does not break completely. This is most common in children, whose bones are more flexible.
Stress Fracture
A small crack caused by repetitive stress, often in athletes or active individuals. Pain typically increases with activity and decreases with rest.
Nonsurgical Treatments
Many fractures can heal without surgery using immobilization and supportive care.
Immobilization
Casts, splints, or braces are used to keep the bone stable and properly aligned during healing. Immobilization often lasts several weeks depending on the fracture type.
Managing Pain
Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medication, prescription pain relievers, or other methods to help manage discomfort as the bone heals.
Rest & Activity Modification
Avoiding activities that could worsen the injury is essential. Your provider will explain when it is safe to return to normal movement or weight-bearing.
Monitoring & Follow-Up
Regular follow-up appointments are important to track progress. X-rays or other imaging may be used to confirm that the bone is healing correctly.
Surgical Treatments
Some fractures require surgery, especially open, displaced, or complex injuries. Surgery may involve the placement of pins, screws, plates, or rods to hold the bone in proper alignment during healing.
Bone Realignment
For displaced fractures, the surgeon may reposition the bone fragments before securing them. Proper alignment is essential to restoring normal function.
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation After Surgery
As healing progresses, physical therapy helps restore strength, motion, and flexibility. Rehabilitation also helps prevent stiffness, muscle weakness, and long-term functional limitations.