A fracture is a break in any bone in the body. Fractures are usually caused by trauma. This may be falls, twists, blows or collisions. There are different kinds of fracture:
Fractures may also be described as:
Fractures are caused by trauma to the bone. Trauma includes:
The trauma is a physical force applied to the bone that the bone cannot withstand. Stronger bones can withstand more physical force than weaker bones.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for a fracture include:
Symptoms of a fracture include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how you injured yourself, and examine the injured area.
Tests may include:
Treatment involves:
Devices that can hold a bone in place while it heals include:
Healing time ranges from three weeks for a simple finger fracture to many months for a complicated fracture of a long bone. All fractures require rehabilitation exercises to regain muscle strength and joint motion.
If you are diagnosed with a fracture, follow your doctor's instructions .
You can reduce your chances of getting a fracture by:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.sportsmed.org
References:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available: http://www.aaos.org .
Browner: Skeletal Trauma: Basic Science, Management, and Reconstruction 3rd ed. Philadelphia; Elsevier; 2003.
Fractures in Adults . Vol 4. Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins; 1994.
Gruntmanis U. Male osteoporosis: deadly, but ignored. American Journal of the Medical Sciences . 2007;333:85-92.
McCarus DC. Fracture prevention in postmenopausal osteoporosis: a review of treatment options. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey . 2006;61:39-50.
*¹1/30/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Loke YK, Singh S, Furberg CD. Long-term use of thiazolidinediones and fractures in type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. CMAJ. 2009;180:32-39. Epub 2008 Dec 10.
Last reviewed November 2008 by John C. Keel, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.