Is a Bone Fracture the Same Thing as a Break?

Yes. A complex or displaced fracture – when a piece of your bone moves so much it forms a sizable gap around the fracture – is the medical term for a break. That said, simple fractures when the bone has a partial crack are different from a complete break and may require a different treatment. The invasiveness of bone fracture treatments is often dependent on the severity of the break and the feasibility of immobilization.

Types of Fractures

Aside from the distinction of whether the fracture is open (compound) or closed – i.e., whether the bone pierces the skin or not – fractures are also distinguished by the pattern of the break:

• Transverse Fracture: A straight break across a bone.
• Oblique Fracture: A diagonal break across a bone.
• Spiral Fracture: A break where at least one part of the bone has been twisted.
• Comminuted Fracture: A break where the bone has shattered into several pieces.
• Greenstick Fracture: A partial fracture in which one side of the bone breaks and the other side bends (common in children whose bones are softer and more elastic).
• Compression Fracture: The bone is crushed, making it wider or flatter.
• Segmental Fracture: The same bone is fractured in two places, creating a "floating" segment.
• Avulsion Fracture: A fragment of bone is pulled off by a tendon or ligament.

Fractures can alternatively be distinguished by their cause.

• Traumatic Fracture: Result from a direct blow or impact.
• Pathologic Fracture: Caused by a disease that weakens the bone.
• Stress Fracture: Caused by repetitive forces or overuse, often seen in athletes.

Symptoms

• Intense pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Deformity, such as a limb looking out of place
• Trouble moving the injured limb or body part
• Warmth or redness around the injury

Risk Factors for Fractures

Being older generally puts you more at risk of fractures since your bones become more fragile with age. Women are more likely to suffer fractures than men due to having a lower bone density, and they’re especially vulnerable after menopause, which causes increased bone loss.

Other risk factors include previous bone fractures, certain health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hyperthyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis), using certain medications that lower bone density and having inadequate calcium and vitamin D levels.

Treatment and Surgeries

If you’ve broken a bone, you should immediately go to the ER. Fractures are diagnosed through an X-ray or MRI to reveal the location, nature and complexity of the break. The treatment your physician will recommend is contingent on how bad the break is. In cases of cracks or minor breaks, the bone may heal by itself if you use a cast, splint or brace to immobilize the bone and allow it to heal. However, if the break is significant, you may require surgery – whether the operation is to realign the bone fragments or use pins, screws and plates to stabilize the break will depend on the severity and complexity of the fracture.

After surgery, you’ll wear a cast or splint until the bone fully heals, which typically takes six to eight weeks but varies on a case-by-case basis. Once it’s healed, you may need to do physical therapy to restore normal function and flexibility of the impacted area.

Put Your Health in the Hands of the Experienced and Compassionate Physicians in Houston

The St. Hope Healthcare team offers comprehensive treatment for all types of bone fractions as well as preventative care like bone density exams to measure the strength and mineral levels in your bone to help you gauge your risk of a fracture. If you have osteoporosis, this test will identify it and help our physicians monitor the effectiveness of your treatment to strengthen your bones.

Have peace of mind about your health when you have dedicated doctors watching out for you. Call (713) 778-1300 or go through our online portal to schedule an appointment today.