What Kind of Bone Fractures Are There?

Bone fractures, or broken bones, occur when the bone is subjected to a force or impact that is stronger than the bone. Different types of fractures heal differently and require varying treatment methods.

Types

• A closed, or simple, fracture is a broken bone that does not break the skin. An open, or compound, fracture happens when a broken bone breaks the skin. A transverse fracture occurs when the fracture splits across the axis of the bone at a right angle. A greenstick fracture is a bend in one side of the bone. A comminuted fracture breaks the bone in three or more fragments.

Healing Process

• The body heals a bone fracture by forming protective blood clots and tissue. Bone cells begin to grow together around the fracture until it closes and the body absorbs the protective tissue.

Treatment

• Depending on the severity and type of fracture, doctors cast or splint bone fractures to hold the bone immobile in the proper alignment while it heals. Some fractures require surgery to place metal pins or screws to help reinforce the bone and keep it in proper alignment while it heals.

Recovery

• Fractures can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to heal. Patients who follow their doctors' instructions exactly usually heal faster. Follow-up rehabilitation for bone fractures typically includes home exercises and/or physical therapy.

Risks

• Children and elderly people are at greater risk for bone fractures. Bone fractures in children are typically less severe and usually heal more quickly than fractures in older people.