By Carrie Echols

6/23/09

Bones are a connective tissue, reinforced with calcium and bone cells. Bone marrow is where blood cells are made. The main functions of the skeleton include support, movement and protection of internal organs.

A bone fracture occurs when there is a force against a bone is stronger than it can stand.

There are different types of bone fractures that vary in severity. Common sites for bone fractures include the wrist, ankle and hip.

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A fracture in which the bone is broken into several pieces. It is also known as a

multi-fragmentary fracture.

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Three separate pieces of bone must be present for a fracture to be classified as comminuted

Crushing or splintering Most common in the elderly or, People with conditions which weaken

the bones; ie: osteogenesis imperfecta or cancer

Tremendous force

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Tremendous pain at site of fracture May pass out at time of break Area of break will swell May become warm to the touch Cannot bear any weight

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X-RayDuring the x-ray, doctors can assess: Orientation of pieces of bone Location of fracture to determine best

treatment May be necessary to pin the fracture

with surgery

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Infection Compartment syndrome: build up of

pressure in the legs, arms, hands, feet or buttocks. These heavily muscled areas are surrounded by fascia, a supportive tissue which is not very flexible. If pressure builds up, it can cut off nerve and underlying muscle cells causing –

Vascular necrosis Non union: pieces of bone fail to join

together

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Follow up with orthopedic doctor is suggested to make sure the patient is

healing correctly.

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A mild bone fracture which is most commonly seen in children. Extreme force causes a bone to bend, breaking partway through, like a young green

twig when it is bent.

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Fall Blunt trauma

Prognosis:Good - with healing as little as three

weeks when they are promptly diagnosed and treated.

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Reducing the fracture by pulling the bone apart slightly and then pushing it into place to straighten it out

Casting the affected limb Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the

swelling Elevate footComplications: Could go undiagnosed and a painful

infection and permanent damage may occur

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A painful type of bone fracture which is caused by a twisting force. It is also

called a torsion fracture.

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Commonly in the elderly and with persons with poor diet

It also becoming famous for a sign of abuse, especially in children. A twisting motion could be caused by a parent grabbing and twisting the arm or leg of a child

Diagnosed by X-Ray By assessing the x-ray, doctors may

recommend surgery to pin a fracture It could just be casted to hold the fracture

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Because fracture is a corkscrew shape, it can be difficult to treat.

Involves months of being in a cast Possible surgery All is dependent upon general health of

the patient and specific circumstances involved in the fracture

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