A fracture is a break, typically in a bone.  In medical jargon, broken bones are synonymous with fractures.  Fractures are very common, and are usually caused by trauma during falls, car accidents, or sports injuries.  Fractures are also common in patients suffering from osteoporosis, a condition that causes weakening of the bones and is seen quite often in post-menopausal women.  If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called a compound, or open fracture.  If the broken bone does not puncture the skin, then it is called a closed fracture.  Repetitive, hi-impact overuse activities or sports, such as running or basketball, can cause stress fractures, which are tiny cracks in the bone.

Once the diagnosis of a fracture is made, treatment is focused upon realigning the fracture fragments so that ultimately full recovery of joint function and strength can occur.  Treatment varies widely depending on the severity and location of the break.  Sometimes, the fracture may need to be reduced (or set) if the bony alignment is not acceptable; immediately thereafter, you will usually need to wear a splint and/or cast to keep the bone in proper alignment while it heals.  In some cases, surgery may be the only option to achieve satisfactory alignment of the fracture fragments.  In such cases, it may be necessary to insert plates, screws or rods to keep the bony fragments properly aligned.  Once the fracture has been properly aligned (either with or without surgery), it will usually require immobilization in a splint or cast for a period of time that could range from 3 weeks to 3 months, depending on the severity and location of the fracture

Seek medical attention immediately for any fracture to prevent further injury or incorrect healing.

Treatment for broken bones is available now at Newport Urgent Care in Newport Beach, CA.

For more information on broken bones, see the following websites:

Medline Plus (NIH) Fractures (Broken Bones) Page
Understanding Fractures - Basic Information from WebMD

Disclaimer: The links above are to sites independent of NewportUrgentCare.com. The pages will open in a new browser window. The information provided is for educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your doctor. Always follow your doctor's recommendations regarding your specific medical questions, treatments, therapies, and other needs.