
If surgery is required, a surgeon will place screws or metal pins above and below the fracture that are then attached to a metal bar outside the skin. Weights are applied to the pin as the patient is placed in an apparatus to encourage traction.

Different types of bone fracture skin#
This is done either by tape adhered to the skin below the fracture or a pin inserted through the bone. In some instances, traction may be needed to put the bone back into alignment.

For some fractures, you may be able to wear a functional cast or brace that allows some movement of the joints.Ĭasts may not be appropriate for all fractures, however. To aid in that healing process, your leg, arm, or other body part will be placed in a cast after the bones have been aligned so the two ends can connect once again.

As these cells multiply, the fracture is eventually repaired. After a break, bone cells form around the fracture. The most common causes of a spiral fracture are accidents or sports injuries.īone fractures typically respond well to non-surgical treatments. It’s frequently seen in the long bones of the body, such as the femur, tibia, or fibula in the legs. The defining characteristic of a spiral fracture is a break that spirals around the bone. With a displaced fracture, the bone breaks in two or more pieces and is shifted out of alignment due to the force of the trauma. In most fractures, the bone breaks but remains in alignment. This type of fracture typically occurs in the spine when the vertebrae collapse because of bone loss due to osteoporosis. Compression fractures are the result of a crushing of the bone. Instead of a horizontal break across the bone, a linear fracture is vertical and parallel to the sides of the bone. High-impact trauma such as a car accident typically causes a comminuted fracture. Sometimes, bone fragments break away and embed in the site of the fracture. When the bone shatters into three or more pieces it’s known as a comminuted fracture.
Different types of bone fracture crack#
Stress fractures look like a hairline crack in the bone and can be hard to see on a regular X-ray. Also called a compound fracture, an open fracture should be tended to immediately to prevent infection.

In this injury, the bone breaks through the skin, causing a severe wound. A bone fracture can take several different forms, which will ultimately dictate your treatment. To classify your bone fracture, your doctor will see where the bone has been broken and the shape or pattern of the break. Once you know the nature of your fracture, you’ll begin a recovery program tailored to you. An orthopedist can X-ray your injury to determine which type of fracture you’ve suffered. Bones may also crack from everyday activities if you suffer from a bone-thinning condition like osteoporosis.Īlthough a bone break is typically accompanied by pain, swelling, and bruising, each type of fracture has different characteristics and therefore requires different treatment. Unlike muscles and ligaments, bones are stiff, making them vulnerable to fractures from accidents or sports injuries. Discover the different types of fractures to determine the right treatment program for you.Ī broken bone is a serious orthopedic injury that requires immediate medical attention.
