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A fracture is a broken bone. It can be anything from a small crack to a separated bone that causes it to move out of place. Bone fracture symptoms can include sharp pain, swelling, and bruising. Doctors can often treat bone fractures with a cast or splint. For severe breaks, you may need surgery.
Common causes of bone fractures and breaks include:
Children are at a high risk of breaks and fractures since their developing bones have weaker spots (growth plates) that expand as they grow.
As we age, our bones naturally become less dense and weaker. This puts older adults at an increased risk of broken bones.
A broken bone or fracture can put you at risk of developing arthritis later.
If a bone isn't realigned (put back into place) or repaired perfectly, it can cause additional wear on a nearby joint. This increases your chances of developing arthritis in that joint.
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Fractures and breaks are not always obvious.
For example, if you fall and break a bone in your arm, the bone may be cracked and sore but doesn't look broken.
Some symptoms of a break or fracture include:
Even if you have an obvious break, your doctor will need to take an x-ray of the area to see how much damage has occurred.
Your doctor will also ask questions about your medical history, including if you've had any broken bones before.
If you have had more than one broken bone, your doctor may look for clues about whether you have a condition that causes weak bones.
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A bone that is only cracked may need a splint or cast. If your bone is severely broken, doctors will need to manipulate or pull it back into place before they put on a splint or cast.
The cast or splint will keep the injured bone from moving while it heals. Your doctor may also prescribe pain medicine while you heal.
If you have a severe break, you can expect to have x-rays both before and after treatment. You may even need follow-up x-rays.
Some breaks — such as rib fractures — are harder to treat. Often, doctors allow these types of fractures to heal on their own unless they cause other problems.
You will need to visit your doctor a few times for several weeks so he or she can check your broken bone or replace your cast.
After your doctor removes the splint or cast, you may feel some pain as you begin to move your joints again. This will improve over time.
Your doctor may also prescribe certain exercises to help you regain the strength you lost while your bone was in a cast.
You may need surgery — or even “external fixation” — to repair a:
During external fixation surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon will attach a metal structure — similar to a cage — to the bone. After your bone heals, your surgeon will remove it.
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