Fracture
What is a Fracture?
Fracture is a term used to describe breaking of bones. Since bones are rigid, they break on the application of excessive force. The greater the force the greater the damage caused. If a bones breaking point is not exceeded by the force then a bone may only crack. However, severe force may cause the bone to shatter. A serious type of fracture is when the wound goes down to the bone and pieces of the bone appear through the skin. Such fractures are called open fractures.
What causes a Fracture?
Fractures occurrence may be caused by trauma which is the excessive application of force on the bones during an accident or by Osteoporosis which is a condition of weak bones making them more likely to break or by overuse of bones causing stress fracture for example in athletes.
What are the symptoms of a Fracture?
Fractures prevent the movement of the affected area and cause severe pain. Some other symptoms include: Swelling and tenderness at the affected area, appearance of a bruise, deformity such as a bone appearing through the skin.
How is a Fracture treated?
Treatment involves putting back together broken pieces of the bone and preventing their movement until they are healed. This process is called reduction. Sometimes a surgery may be required in the case of severe fractures.
