BONE

FRACTURES

Yasmine Alzahrani
Dhay Al-suqami
Ryoof Alzahrani
Batool Almrais
 Table of contents

1 Bone fractures definition …………….………………….…2

1
 Bone fractures

Bone fractures are defined as a break in the bones altering their shape, they can be

split into two or several pieces. The fracture heals whether it is treated or not.

Types of fractures

Bone fractures are categorized into:

1. Open fracture: the bone pierces the skin and sometimes causes a deep wound.

2. Closed fracture: do not pierce the skin.

3. Complete fractures: the bone is completely separated into two

4. Displaced fractures: Where the bone breaks, a gap form. Surgery is typically

needed to repair this injury.

5. Partial fractures: The bone does not break all the way through.

6. Stress fractures: There is a crack in the bone, which is sometimes difficult to

find using imaging.

And to further describe the fracture we use these terms:

1. Avulsion: Part of the bone is pulled off by a tendon or ligament.

2. Greenstick: An incomplete fracture occurs when only part of the bone is

broken, causing the other side to bend.

3. Transverse: The break runs straight across the bone.

4. Spiral: The break spirals around the bone; common in a twisting injury.

5. Oblique: The bone is broken diagonally

6. Compression: The bone is crushed. causing the broken bone to appear wider

or flatter.

2
 7. Comminuted: The bone is broken into three or more pieces and fragments are

present at the fracture site.

8. Segmental: The same bone is fractured in two places, so there is a floating piece

of bone.

9. Linear: The bone is broken in a linear vertical line.

Causes of bone fractures:

1 / strong collisions such as overturning in car accidents.

2/ Repetitive forces such as running.

3 / diseases that lead to weak bones such as osteoporosis and bone cancer.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of having a fractured bone are

• Sudden pain

• Trouble using or moving the injured area or nearby joints

• Swelling

• Obvious deformity

• Warmth, bruising, or redness

Diagnosis

After a complete medical history and physical exam, the healthcare provider will

examine the patient with an imaging test using:

• X-ray. A diagnostic test that uses high-energy electromagnetic beams that

penetrate the body.

3
 • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An imaging test that uses a strong

magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images.

• Computed tomography (CT). An imaging test that uses X-rays to make

detailed images of the body.

Treatment

The fracture is treated by returning the broken bones to their place, where they return

to their normal shape after a while.

Fracture treatments include:

• Splints: where the doctor wraps the fracture site with a splint to protect the

affected area and immobilize its movement until the pain decreases and

complications are prevented until the bones are healed.

• Traction: The use of heavyweights, strings, and pulleys to tighten the tendons

and muscles around the fracture to aid healing.

• Surgical operations: They are used for some types of bones, where screws and

steel fasteners are used to fix broken bones.

Healing

The healing time of a broken bone varies according to the type and severity of the

fracture and from one person to another. For example, a broken leg takes longer to heal

than a broken arm and wrist. It also varies according to the age of the injured person,

as he recovers from the fracture more slowly. But in general, it takes about six to eight

weeks for a fracture to heal.

4
Complications of fractures

• Bone fractures, like other injuries, can lead to complications such as:

• Blood clots: where a blockage occurs in the blood vessels.

• Bleeding and swelling in the muscles surrounding the fracture, is called

compartment syndrome.

• Joint swelling due to bleeding is called Hemarthrosis.

• Complications such as joint stiffness and sores can also occur after wearing

splints

Prevention

Bone fractures are usually caused by accidents, falls, and osteoporosis.

Three things that may help to decrease the risks:

• Following a healthy diet that includes calcium and vitamin D.

• Exercising regularly .

• Avoid smoking and nicotine in any form since it increases the risk of bone

fractures.

• Avoid medications that have side effects of dizziness and balance problems

which increase the risk of bone fractures.

5
References
Bone fractures. (2020, november 30). Retrieved from cleveland clinic:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15241-bone-fractures
Fractures. (n.d.). Retrieved from Johns hopkins medecine:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/fractures
Fractures: bone repair. (n.d.). Retrieved from oregon state univirsity:
https://open.oregonstate.education/aandp/chapter/6-5-fractures-bone-repair/