Fracture

Fracture is a medical condition in which a bone is cracked, partially broken, or completely broken due to trauma, excessive force, repetitive stress, or underlying bone weakness. Fractures are one of the most prevalent orthopaedic injuries and can affect people of all ages, from children to the elderly.

The most common causes of fractures are falls, vehicle accidents, sports injuries, direct trauma, and bone diseases, like osteoporosis, that make bones more fragile. Fractures are classified into simple (closed), open (complex), stress fractures, displaced fractures, and comminuted fractures based on severity and break pattern.

Common signs and symptoms include: Sudden discomfort, swelling, bruising, tenderness, deformity, inability to move the area of the injury, and inability to bear weight. A diagnosis is usually made using a physical exam and imaging studies, such as X-rays. For more complex fractures, a CT scan or MRI may be needed.
Treatment depends on the form and location of the fracture and may include immobilisation using casts, splints, or surgical fixation with plates, screws, or rods. Early treatment and correct rehabilitation ensure complete healing, the restoration of function, and the prevention of long-term consequences.