A cracked bone is medically referred to as a bone fracture. A fracture occurs when a bone breaks, cracks, or splinters. There are different types of bone fractures depending on the characteristics of the break.
Types of Bone Fractures
There are several different types of bone fractures:
- Closed (simple) fracture – The bone breaks but there is no open wound in the skin
- Open (compound) fracture – The bone breaks and punctures through the skin, resulting in an open wound
- Transverse fracture – The break is straight across the bone
- Oblique fracture – The break is diagonal across the bone
- Spiral fracture – A twisting force causes the bone to break in a spiral pattern
- Comminuted fracture – The bone breaks or splinters into pieces
- Impacted fracture – One fragment of bone is driven into another fragment
- Greenstick fracture – An incomplete fracture where the bone partly breaks like a green stick
- Stress fracture – Hairline crack from repeated stress on the bone
- Pathologic fracture – Weakened bone breaks from a disease process like cancer
- Avulsion fracture – A fragment of bone is pulled off by a tendon or ligament
Signs and Symptoms of a Bone Fracture
There are several signs and symptoms that may indicate a bone fracture:
- Pain at the site of the fracture that worsens with movement
- Swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the injured area
- Deformity or changed appearance of the limb, joint, or bone
- Inability to put weight on the limb or use it normally
- Numbness or tingling of the injured limb
- Hearing a snap or grinding noise during injury
- Bone protruding through the skin in an open fracture
Causes of Bone Fractures
Some common causes of bone fractures include:
- Traumatic injury – Falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, etc.
- Overuse – Stress fractures from repetitive activities
- Bone disease – Weakened bones that fracture more easily
- Medical conditions – Diseases like osteoporosis or cancer
- Nutritional deficiencies – Lack of calcium or vitamin D
- Medications – Steroids like prednisone can weaken bones
Risk Factors for Bone Fractures
Certain factors may increase a person’s risk of sustaining a bone fracture:
- Age – Bones become weaker and more brittle with age
- Female gender – Women have a higher risk due to lower bone density
- Previous fracture – Having one fracture increases risk of more
- Diseases – Medical conditions affecting bone strength
- Medications – Corticosteroids, anticoagulants, etc.
- Lifestyle – Smoking, alcohol abuse, inadequate nutrition and exercise
- Hazardous activities – High impact sports, dangerous jobs, etc.
- Genetics – Family history of fractures or osteoporosis
Diagnosing a Bone Fracture
To diagnose a bone fracture, doctors use several methods:
- Medical history – Discuss symptoms, risk factors, and how injury occurred
- Physical exam – Check for swelling, bruising, deformity, or point tenderness
- Imaging tests – X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to visualize the fracture
The imaging test results along with the clinical evaluation will allow the doctor to determine the presence, location, and classification of any fractures.
Treating Bone Fractures
Treatment for bone fractures aims to stabilize the broken bone and promote proper healing. Options may include:
- Cast or splint – Stabilizes the fracture to prevent further displacement
- Surgery – Required for some fracture types to set the bone
- Pain medication – To control fracture pain and swelling
- Rehabilitation – Physical therapy to regain strength and motion
The majority of simple fractures heal successfully in 6-12 weeks with proper treatment. More serious fractures or those with complications may take longer to heal.
Complications of Bone Fractures
Some potential complications that can result from bone fractures include:
- Delayed union or nonunion – The fracture fails to heal properly
- Malunion – The fracture heals in a misaligned position
- Osteomyelitis – An infection of the bone or bone marrow
- Avascular necrosis – Death of bone tissue due to disruption of blood supply
- Complex regional pain syndrome – Chronic nerve pain after injury
- Post-traumatic arthritis – Joint damage from the fracture
Smoking, diabetes, certain medications, and other health conditions can increase the risk of these complications and interfere with appropriate bone healing.
Recovering from a Bone Fracture
To support recovery from a bone fracture:
- Follow doctor’s instructions for cast/splint care and use of slings or crutches
- Attend all follow-up appointments for x-rays to check healing
- Take prescribed pain medications as directed
- Keep the injured area elevated above heart level to reduce swelling
- Apply ice packs for 20 minutes several times per day
- Eat a balanced diet and take supplements like calcium and vitamin D
- Do only gentle range of motion exercises approved by your doctor
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and medications that impair healing
Report any worsening pain, swelling, numbness, discoloration, or other concerning symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately.
| Bone Fracture Type | Characteristics | Typical Healing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Closed Fracture | Bone breaks but no open wound in skin | 6-12 weeks with cast |
| Open Fracture | Bone breaks with puncture wound through skin | Up to 6 months depending on severity |
| Transverse Fracture | Straight break going across the bone | 8-12 weeks with cast |
| Oblique Fracture | Diagonal break across the bone | 10-16 weeks with cast |
| Spiral Fracture | Twisting break causes spiral pattern | 12-16 weeks with cast |
This table summarizes some of the characteristics and typical healing times for different types of bone fractures assuming proper treatment and no complications.
Preventing Bone Fractures
Some ways to help prevent bone fractures include:
- Get adequate calcium and vitamin D from diet or supplements
- Do weight-bearing and resistance exercises to strengthen bones
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Avoid tobacco use and excess alcohol intake
- Use protective gear for sports and hazardous activities
- Make your home safer by removing fall hazards
- Treat any underlying medical conditions that weaken bones
Bone density screening tests like a DEXA scan can also help detect osteoporosis early, when treatment is most effective.
Conclusion
In summary, a cracked bone is referred to medically as a bone fracture. There are many different types of fractures depending on the nature and characteristics of the break. Signs and symptoms of a fracture may include pain, swelling, deformity, and an inability to use the affected limb normally. Fractures are commonly caused by significant traumatic injury, osteoporosis, or other bone diseases. Imaging tests like x-rays allow doctors to diagnose the location and classification of bone fractures. Most fractures heal successfully with proper stabilization, pain management, and rehabilitation. However, complications like infection or delayed healing can sometimes occur. Maintaining bone health with diet, exercise, and disease prevention are key to avoiding fractures in the first place.
