What is a Fracture

7/27/2019 What is a Fracture

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Victoria Healthcare Clinic

79 Dien Bien Phu Street Ward Dakao District 1, HCMC

135A Nguyen Van Troi Ward 12 Phu Nhuan District, HCM

Nursing Department

WHAT IS A FRACTURE?

Fracture

Referred to as a bone fracture, is a medical condition where the continuity of the bone

is broke. A significant percentage of bone fractures occur because of high force impact or

stress; however, a fracture may also be the result of some medical conditions which weaken the

bones, for exampleosteoporosis,somecancersor osteogeneris imperfecta. A fracture caused

by a medical condition is known as apathological fracture.

The word breakis commonly used by lay (non-professional) people. Among health care professionals, especially

bone specialists, such as orthopedic surgeons, breakis a much less common term when talking about bones.

A crack(not only a break) in the bone is also known as a fracture. Fractures can occur in any bone in the body.

There are several different ways in which a bone can fracture;

For example a clean break to the bone that does not damage surrounding tissue or tear through the skin is

known as a closed fractureor a simp le fracture.

On the other hand, one that damages surrounding skin or tissue is known as a compound fracture or

an open fracture.Compound or open fractures are generally more serious than simple fractures, with a much

higher risk of infection.

Most human bones are surprisingly strong and can generally stand up to fairly strong impacts or forces. However, if

that force is too powerful, or there is something wrong with the bone, it can fracture.

The older we get the less force our bones can withstand. Approximately 50% of women and about 20% of men have

a fracture after they are 50 years old (Source: National Health Service, UK).

Because children's bones are more elastic, when they do have fractures they tend to be different. Children also

have growth plates at the end of their bones - areas of growing bone - which may sometimes be damaged.

Some different types of fracture:Avulsion fracture - a muscle or ligament pulls on the bone, fracturing it.
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Nursing Department

Comminuted fracture - the bone is shattered into many pieces.

Compression (crush) fracture- generally occurs in the

spongy bone in the spine. For example, the front portion of a

vertebra in the spine may collapse due to osteoporosis.

Fracture dislocation- a joint becomes dislocated, and one of thebones of the joint has a fracture.


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Greenstick fracture- the bone partly fractures on one side, but does not break

completely because the rest of the bone can bend. More common among

children, whose bones are softer and more elastic.

Hairline fracture- a partial fracture of the

bone. Often this type of fracture is harder todetect.

Impacted fracture- when the bone is fractured, one fragment of bone goes into

another.


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Longitudinal fracture - the break is along the length of the bone.

Oblique fracture- A fracture that is diagonal to a bone's long axis.

Pathological fracture- when an

underlying disease or condition has already

weakened the bone, resulting in a fracture

(bone fracture caused by an underlying disease/condition that weakened the

bone).


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Spiral fracture- A fracture where at least one part of the bone has been

twisted.

Stress fracture- more common among athletes. A bone breaks because of

repeated stresses and strains.

Torus (buckle) fracture- bone deforms but does not crack. More common in

children. It is painful but stable.


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Transverse fracture- a straight break right across a bone.

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Fracture (Broken Bones): First Aid

A fracture is a broken bone. It requires medical attention. If the broken bone is the result of major trauma or

injury, call your local emergency number. Also call for emergency help if:

The person is unresponsive, isn't breathing or isn't moving. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if

there's no respiration or heartbeat.

There is heavy bleeding.

Even gentle pressure or movement causes pain.

The limb or joint appears deformed.

The bone has pierced the skin.

The extremity of the injured arm or leg, such as a toe or finger, is numb or bluish at the tip.

You suspect a bone is broken in the neck, head or back.
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You suspect a bone is broken in the hip, pelvis or upper leg (for example, the leg and foot turn outward

abnormally).

Don't move the person except if necessary to avoid further injury. Take these actions immediately while

waiting for medical help:

Stop any bleeding.Apply pressure to the wound with a sterile bandage, a clean cloth or a clean piece of

clothing.

Immobilize the injured area.Don't try to realign the bone or push a bone that's sticking out back in. If

you've been trained in how to splint and professional help isn't readily available, apply a splint to the area

above and below the fracture sites. Padding the splints can help reduce discomfort.

Apply ice packs to limit swelling and help relieve pain until emergency personnel arrive.Don't apply ice

directly to the skinwrap the ice in a towel, piece of cloth or some other material.

Treat for shock.If the person feels faint or is breathing in short, rapid breaths lay the person down with

the head slightly lower than the trunk and, if possible, elevate the legs.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-fractures/basics/art-20056641
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What is a Fracture

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