what is fracture

A fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. It can occur in any bone in the body and can range from small partial cracks to complete breaks. Fractures are usually caused by traumas like falls, car accidents, or sports injuries, but they can also be caused by medical conditions and repetitive forces like running. Bones are weakest when they are twisted, and fractures can happen when more force is applied to the bone than it can take. Overuse or repetitive motions can cause stress fractures, which are very small cracks in the bone. Symptoms of a fracture include intense pain, deformity, swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the injury, numbness, and tingling, and problems moving a limb. A fracture that results from a medical condition that weakens the bones is called a pathological fracture. There are different types of fractures, including closed fractures, compound fractures, avulsion fractures, comminuted fractures, compression or crush fractures, and fracture dislocations. If you suspect a fracture, its important to get medical care right away. An X-ray can tell if your bone is broken, and you may need to wear a cast or splint. Sometimes you need surgery to put in plates, pins, or screws to keep the bone in place.