Bone fractures require individualized treatment based on the type of fracture and the patient’s health. Fractures can be closed or open, simple or multi-fragmental, and can be caused by trauma or brittle bones. Prompt medical treatment is necessary for proper healing.
There are different types of bone fractures, all of which require individualized treatment that also takes into account the health of the patient and the affected bone or bones. Before we delve into the wide world of bone fractures, it can be helpful to know that the terms “fracture” and “break” mean the same thing. Both involve some sort of damage to the bone that caused it to crack or break; “break” is a common term that is not used much by medical professionals.
Bone fractures are classified into several basic categories. They are either closed, meaning the skin is intact, or open, in which case the skin at the site has been damaged in some way. Open fractures are potentially more dangerous, as they can become infected, especially when substances are introduced into the wound. Fractures are also classified as simple, involving a line of injury, or multi-fragmental, characterized by a split or fissure in multiple directions. As you can imagine, a simple fracture is classically easier to treat.
Once the basic characteristics of a fracture are identified, a doctor can focus on the type of fracture. A classic fracture in which the bone is literally broken in half is called a complete fracture, while a less severe fracture in which only part of the bone is broken is called a greenstick fracture. In a compact fracture, pieces of bone are actually pushed into each other, whereas a compression fracture is caused by long-term gradual compression of the spine.
When a bone breaks along the long side, it is called a linear fracture. Bone fractures that run perpendicular to the long end of the bone are called transverse fractures. An oblique fracture runs along the diagonal, while a spiral fracture is caused by the bone twisting, causing a distinctive spiral pattern at the site.
The cause of bone fractures is typically trauma such as a hard blow or fall. Fractures can also occur spontaneously in people with brittle bones; elderly people, for example, may suffer fractures after a minor fall because their bones have become brittle. In all cases, the best prognosis for a fracture calls for prompt medical treatment to align the bones, clean the wound, and set the bones, immobilizing them so they have a chance to heal.
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