10 Different types of Bone Fractures
At some or the other time in your life, you must have come across a situation where your bones feel more pressure that they split or break.
We can understand that this situation might have been devastating for you to deal with!
As per the research, approximately 300,000 people in the UK experience a fracture every year. Women are more likely to experience fractures than men, with the highest incidence occurring in postmenopausal phase. The most common types of fractures are hip fractures, followed by wrist fractures, ankle fractures, and vertebral fractures.
In this blog we will be discussing about 10 different bone fractures that you or your loved one must have come across at least once in their lifetime!
But first, let us quickly have a look at what a bone fracture is and its symptoms!
What is a bone fracture?
A bone fracture or broken bone, is a medical condition in which a bone is cracked or broken due to some pressure.
It can occur when there is a sudden and significant force applied to the bone, such as during a fall, an accident, or a sports injury.
Fractures can range in severity from a small crack in the bone to a complete break with bone fragments that may pierce the skin. Treatment for a bone fracture depends on the severity and location of the break, but may include immobilization with a cast or splint, surgery, or Physiotherapy in Manchester and Stockport.
Symptoms of a bone fracture
The symptoms of a bone fracture can vary depending on the type, location, and severity of the fracture.
Here are some in-depth symptoms of a bone fracture:
1. Pain:
Pain is the most common symptom of a bone fracture, and it may be severe, moderate, or mild. The intensity of pain may vary depending on the location and severity of the fracture. Pain may be felt at the area of fracture or in the surrounding nerves.
2. Swelling:
Swelling is a common symptom of any bone fracture and occurs due to inflammation. Swelling may occur immediately after the injury or several hours later. The impacted area of your body may get red or warm to the touch.
3. Bruising:
Bruising or discoloration may occur around the fracture area due to bleeding from the broken bone or surrounding tissues. Bruising may be a sign of a more severe injury and may take several days to heal.
4. Deformity:
A visible deformity or misalignment of the affected bone or joint is a common symptom of a bone fracture. The affected area may appear crooked or bent.
5. Limited mobility:
Limited mobility or difficulty in moving the affected limb or joint is another common symptom of a bone fracture. The mobility may be limited due to pain, swelling, or deformity.
6. Numbness or tingling:
Numbness or tingling may be felt in the affected limb if a nerve is damaged due to the fracture. This symptom may indicate a more severe injury and requires immediate medical attention.
7. Open wound:
In some cases, a bone fracture may cause an open wound or break in the skin. This type of fracture is called an open or compound fracture and requires immediate medical attention.
It is important to seek Chronic Pain Specialist attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, as prompt and correct treatment is essential for the healing process.
Now let us discuss 10 different types of bone fractures!
10 Different types of Bone Fractures
There are various types of bone fractures. They are classified by how the bone is broken and what the fracture looks like.
Below are 10 common types of bone fractures you must be aware of:
1. Transverse Fracture
A transverse fracture is a type of bone fracture where the break in the bone is straight across. This type of fracture occurs when a force is applied to the bone in a horizontal direction, perpendicular to the long axis of the bone.
Transverse fractures can occur in any bone, but they are most commonly seen in long bones like the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone).
Symptoms of a transverse fracture include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected limb or joint. In severe cases, the bone may pierce the skin, causing an open or compound fracture.
2. Spiral Fracture
A spiral fracture is a type of bone fracture that occurs when a bone is twisted or rotated with force. This type of fracture is characterized by a spiral-shaped break in the bone.
Spiral fractures can be caused by a variety of traumatic injuries, such as a fall or a direct blow to the bone, or by repetitive stress. In some cases, the affected limb may appear deformed or twisted. Physiotherapy may also be recommended to help restore range of motion and strength to the affected limb.
3. Greenstick Fracture
A greenstick fracture is a type of bone fracture that is more common in children than in adults. It occurs when a bone bends and cracks, rather than breaking completely. The fractured bone may remain intact on one side while being broken on the other, like a green twig that has been bent.
Greenstick fractures usually occur in long bones, such as the forearm bones (radius and ulna), and are often caused by a fall or a direct blow to the affected area.
However, in more severe cases, where the bone is displaced or unstable, surgery may be required to realign the bone and hold it in place with pins or screws.
It’s important to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect a greenstick fracture, as a fracture that is not properly treated can lead to long-term complications such as deformity or arthritis.
4. Stress Fracture
A stress fracture is a type of bone injury that is caused by repetitive stress or overuse. It is a hairline crack in the bone that can occur anywhere in the body, but is most commonly seen in weight-bearing bones such as the shinbone (tibia), foot, or hip. Stress fractures are commonly seen in athletes, military personnel, and people who engage in high-impact activities.
In some cases, a stress fracture may not be visible on an X-ray until several weeks after the injury has occurred.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect a stress fracture, as early treatment can help prevent further damage to the bone and promote faster healing. Left untreated, a stress fracture can lead to chronic pain and other long-term complications.
5. Compression Fracture
A compression fracture is a type of bone fracture that occurs when the bone is compressed, or squeezed, between two hard surfaces. This type of fracture is most common in the vertebrae of the spine, especially in older adults who have weakened bones due to conditions such as osteoporosis.
Treatment for a compression fracture typically involves pain management and immobilization of the affected area. Physiotherapy may also be recommended to help improve flexibility and strength in the affected area.
6. Oblique Fracture
An oblique fracture is a type of bone fracture that occurs when the bone is broken at an angle, rather than a straight line. This type of fracture is commonly seen in long bones such as the femur, tibia, and humerus.
Oblique fractures can be caused by a variety of factors, including a direct blow to the bone, a twisting injury, or a fall.
In some cases, surgery may be required to realign the bone and stabilize it with pins, screws, or plates. It’s important to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect an oblique fracture, as early treatment can help prevent further damage to the bone. Delayed or inadequate treatment of an oblique fracture can lead to long-term complications such as chronic pain or limited mobility.
7. Impacted Fracture
An impacted fracture is a type of bone fracture that occurs when the ends of a bone are forced into each other, causing the bone to break but the ends to remain wedged together. This type of fracture is most commonly seen in long bones such as the femur, tibia, and humerus, and can occur as a result of a fall or other high-impact trauma.
Symptoms of an impacted fracture may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected limb. In some cases, there may be a visible deformity or shortening of the affected limb.
8. Segmental Fracture
A segmental fracture is a type of bone fracture that occurs when a single bone is broken in two or more places, resulting in three or more separate bone fragments. This type of fracture is relatively uncommon and is often the result of high-impact trauma, such as a car accident or a fall from a significant height.
Treatment for a segmental fracture depends on the severity of the fracture and may include immobilization with a cast or brace, pain management, and physiotherapy to help improve strength and range of motion in the affected area.
9. Comminuted Fracture
A comminuted fracture is a type of bone fracture where the bone is broken into three or more pieces or fragments. This type of fracture is often the result of high-impact trauma, such as a fall from a significant height.
A comminuted fracture is typically diagnosed using X-rays or other imaging tests. In some cases, surgery may be required to realign the bone fragments and stabilize them with pins and plates.
It’s important to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect a comminuted fracture, as early treatment can help prevent further damage to the bone.
10. Avulsion Fracture
An avulsion fracture is a type of bone fracture that occurs when a small piece of bone is pulled away from the main bone by a tendon or ligament. This type of fracture is often seen in sports injuries, where sudden and forceful movements can cause the tendons or ligaments to pull hard enough to break off a piece of bone.
In some cases, there may be a visible deformity where the bone fragment has been pulled away.
In some cases, surgery may be required to reattach or remove any loose fragments that may be causing pain or discomfort.
Conclusion:
So, these were a few of many types of bone fractures.
Treatments for bone fracture depend on various factors, such as severity of the fracture and where the fracture is located. A minor fracture where your bones are still in alignment may just require a cast so the bone can heal. Whereas, a severe fracture may require insightful detailed care.
At CT Clinic, we offer the best healthcare services straight from Physiotherapy to Deep Tissue Massage Stockport. We have also designed our very COPA therapy to treat all the minor to major health concerns!
Schedule an appointment with us right away!