A bone fracture refers to both a slightly cracked bone and a broken bone. A bone can crack or break in many ways. Most fractures are caused by a car accident or bad fall. In old age, people suffering from a bone disorder like osteoporosis are more prone to fractures (it takes less impact to damage the bone because the bones have weakened). |
A open or compound fracture is where the bone breaks and penetrates tissues in the body. It may penetrate tissue below the skin (next image below), or it may protrude through the skin (as in this ankle break). This type of injury needs immediate treatment because of the risk of infection. Surgery is usually required. Open fractures usually result from high-impact injuries such as car crashes or falls from heights. |
Compound (Open Fracture)
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A simple fracture is where the bone has broken cleanly and has not damaged or penetrated surrounding tissue. This type of break will heal much faster than a compound fracture. This break can be transverse: which means straight across the bone; oblique: which means at an angle or spiral: at an angle that is twisted (see spiral break below). |
Fracture caused by a twisting motion which results in a spiral break. Sometimes referred to as a torsion fracture. |
A fine crack that appears in the bone due to overuse. Commonly seen in athletes, particularly in the foot and shin bones (where it is also known as a stress fracture).
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