Different Types of Bone Fractures

Fractures of the bone can happen to anybody anytime. Here we look at the different types of bone fractures.

What is a fracture?

Sometimes, excess pressure is applied to a bone that results in the breaking of the bone, also called a fracture. Fractures are common. Most people suffer from fractures at least once during their lifetime. Children’s bones are relatively more flexible and less likely to break. Falls or other accidents that do not cause harm in children can cause complete fractures in older adults. Older adults suffer from fractures more than children because their bones are comparatively brittle.

There are 3 common causes of bone fractures. The first cause is trauma to the bone tissue. A fall, an automobile accident or an abrupt hit by an object can bring trauma to a bone, resulting in a fracture. The second cause is osteoporosis (a disease of the bone where there is bone thinning). Over time, the bone gets less dense as bone protein and other minerals gets lost or altered. As a result, the bone becomes more porous, which makes the risk higher for a bone fracture. The third common cause is overuse of the bone. Most athletes suffer a bone fracture due to excessive stress forced on the bone location.

Different types of bone fractures: –

• Open Fracture : An open fracture is a fracture where the broken bone is exposed. That is dangerous because of increased chances of infection.
• Closed Fracture : A closed fracture is a fracture where the bone is broken, but the skin is intact.
• **Simple fracture :**The fracture occurs along one line, splitting the bone into two pieces.
• **Multi-fragmentary fracture :**In this the bone splits into multiple pieces.
• **Compression Fracture :**A compression fracture is a closed fracture that occurs when two or more bones are forced against each other. It commonly occurs to the bones of the spine and may be caused by falling into a standing or sitting position, or a result of advanced osteoporosis.
• **Avulsion Fracture :**An avulsion fracture is a closed fracture where a piece of bone is broken off by a sudden, forceful contraction of a muscle. This type of fracture is common in athletes and can occur when muscles are not properly stretched before activity. This fracture can also because of an injury.
• **Impacted Fracture :**An impacted fracture is similar to a compression fracture, yet it occurs within the same bone. It is a closed fracture which occurs when pressure is applied to both ends of the bone, causing it to split into two fragments that jam into each other. This type of fracture is common in car accidents and falls.
• **Stress Fracture :**It is a common overuse injury. It is most often seen in athletes who run and jump on hard surfaces such as runners, ballet dancers and basketball players.
• **Compression fracture of the spine :**It is common in individuals with osteoporosis. Often no identifiable injury causes it. This results in significant pain and disability.
• **Rib fractures :**If you experience pain while breathing you probably have a rib fracture. In this condition you also have tenderness and shallow breathing.
• **Complete Fracture :**in this the bone fragments separate completely.
• **Incomplete Fracture :**in this the bone fragments are still partially joined.
• **Linear Fracture :**in this the fracture is parallel to the bone’s long axis.
• **Transverse Fracture :**in this the fracture is at a right angle to the bone’s long axis.
• **Oblique Fracture :**in this the fracture is diagonal to a bone’s long axis.
• **Spiral Fracture :**in this at least one part of the bone has been twisted.
• **Comminuted Fracture :**in this the fracture results in several fragments.
• **Compacted Fracture :**in this the fracture is caused when bone fragments are driven into each other.

If you have fracture in the bones

All fractures must be taken seriously. If you think that a bone has been fractured, you should seek immediate medical treatment. An x-ray will help diagnose the condition.You may be in for a long period of recuperation.