A bone fracture is a medical condition where the continuity of the bone is broken. 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 example osteoporosis, some cancers, or osteogenesis imperfecta (also known as brittle bone diseases).
A fracture caused by a medical condition is known as a pathological fracture.
Symptoms
• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Discolored skin around the affected area
• Angulation – the affected area may be bent at an unusual angle
• The patient is unable to put weight on the injured area
• The patient cannot move the affected area
• The affected bone or joint may have a grating sensation
• If it is an open fracture, there may be bleeding
• When a large bone is affected, such as the pelvis or femur
• The sufferer may look pale and clammy
• There may be dizziness (feeling faint)
• Feelings of sickness and nausea
Causes
• Weak Bones
• Accidental trauma
• Sports injury
Diagnoses
• Physical checkup
• Noticing obvious signs of fracture
• X Rays
Treatments
• Plaster casts or plastic functional braces
• Metal plates and screws
• Intra-medullary nails
• External fixators
• Physical therapy
• Surgery
