Understanding Different Types of Fracture and Treatment Options

What is a fracture?

A fracture, or a broken bone, occurs when a bone is subjected to external forces stronger than it can handle. This injury can affect any bone in the body, from the upper body, down to your feet. 

A broken bone can be classified as a closed fracture, where the bone remains beneath the skin, or an open fracture, where bone fragments break through the skin. 

Although a fracture is painful and can interfere with daily activities, it's not a life-threatening condition. However, a swift medical treatment is necessary to reduce the risk of complications and ensure proper healing.

Bone fractures causes

The primary cause of a broken bone is physical trauma, such as:

• Traffic accidents

• External impact

• Falling from high places

• Sports injury

Additionally, there are a few factors that can increase the risks of fracture, including:

• Overuse or repetitive movements that place stress on the bone during physical activity.

• Health conditions that weaken the bone, such as metabolic diseases, nutrient deficiencies, osteoporosis, cancers, and bone infection.

• Natural ageing process that can weaken the bone.

Fracture types

Below are the types of fracture classifications based on their location and where they occur in the body:

The upper body

• Shoulder fracture

  • A shoulder fracture is a condition where one of the three bones in the shoulder joint is broken. These bones include the humerus (upper arm), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle (collarbone).

  • Humerus (upper arm) fracture

    • Humeral fractures occur when the bone is broken at the end near the shoulder or at its center.

  • Elbow fractures

    • An elbow fracture is a break or crack in the bony tip of your elbow.

  • Rib fractures

    • A rib fracture, or a broken rib, happens when one or more rib bones are broken.

• Compression fracture

  • A compression fracture is a crack or break in the vertebrae, which are the bones that make up your spinal column. 

  • This type of injury often happens to the front part of the vertebrae, which can cause the spine to weaken and collapse, which can negatively impact your posture.

Fractures in the arm, hands, or wrists

• Colles fracture

  • A Colles fracture occurs when the radius, one of the forearm bones located near the wrist, is broken. This injury results in the fractured bone fragment shifting upward, leading to a shape like an upside-down fork.

• Distal radius fracture

  • A distal radius fracture refers to any break in the radius bone of the forearm that's close to the wrist. This type of broken bone is different from the Colles fracture, which causes the wrist to shape like a fork.

• Scaphoid fracture

  • A scaphoid fracture occurs when one of the eight small wrist bones, specifically located below the base of your thumb, breaks.

• Metacarpal fractures

  • A metacarpal fracture happens when the 5 bones that connect your wrist to the fingers are broken.

The lower body and legs

• Hip fractures

  • A hip fracture is the injury on the upper part of the thigh bone (femur) near the hip joint.

• Femur fractures

  • This type of fracture refers to a break that happens at any point along the femur (thigh bone).

• Patella fractures

  • A patella fracture, commonly known as a broken kneecap, occurs when the bone that’s located on the front of your knee joint is broken. 

• Tibial plateau fracture

  • The tibia, or shin bone, is the larger of the two bones in your lower leg, which extends from the knee to the ankle. When the upper portion of this bone, located just below the knee joint, breaks, it results in a tibial plateau fracture.

• Fibula fracture

  • The fibula, commonly known as the calf bone, is the smaller of the two bones located in your lower leg that extends from the knee to the ankle. A fibula fracture can occur at any point along the length of this bone.

Fractures on the feet and ankles

• Ankle fracture

  • An ankle fracture happens when there’s a break in one or more bones that form the ankle joint. This can involve the shin bone (tibia) or calf bone (fibula) near the ankle, as well as the talus bone, which is located between the leg and heel bones in the foot.

• Lisfranc fracture

  • A Lisfranc fracture is an injury that affects the midfoot, which consists of a group of small bones that form the arch on your foot.

• Fifth metatarsal fracture

  • A fifth metatarsal fracture is a common injury where the bone located at the outer edge of the foot that connects the ankle to the toe is broken.

Common fracture symptoms

The symptoms of a fracture may vary depending on the location and severity of the injury. But in general, there are several common symptoms that you should watch out for, including:

If you suspect that you may have a bone fracture due to an injury or other factors, it is important to consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Timely medical intervention can help reduce pain and facilitate proper healing.

To support your recovery, book an appointment with Thomson Medical, where our specialists are prepared to provide an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

Fracture diagnosis

To diagnose your condition, the healthcare provider will begin by discussing your symptoms and how the injury happened. They may then review  your medical history and conduct a physical examination to assess the severity of the injury.

To get a better diagnosis, healthcare providers can perform imaging tests like X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CT (computed tomography) scans to determine the type of fractures and where they are located within the bone.

Treatment for fracture

Treatment for this injury depends on factors such as the type, location, and severity of the condition. Mild fractures, like injuries to fingers or non-displaced fractures (the gap between broken bones isn’t too far), can be treated with conservative treatment.

However, more severe cases may require surgical intervention. For example, major traumatic injuries or displaced fractures, where the gap between the broken bones is too large, usually need a surgical procedure.

Conservative treatment

This type of treatment is reserved for minor and closed fractures to set the broken bones in the proper place and hold them to heal properly.

• Immobilisation:

• Pain management:

  • Healthcare professionals may prescribe medication such as naproxen to relieve pain and swelling. 

  • For severe injuries, such as open fracture, antibiotics can prescribed to prevent and treat potential infections

• Rehabilitation:

  • Physical therapy helps prevent joint stiffness, maintain muscle strength, and support recovery.

Surgical treatment

For more severe conditions, surgical procedures may be necessary.

• External fixation

  • This device is used to stabilise or align the broken bone when the skin and soft tissues around the injury are severely damaged until further treatment can be performed.

• Internal fixation

  • This treatment is used to reposition the broken bones into their normal position. The bones are then secured together using specialised screws or metal plates affixed to the outer surface.

• Sometimes, additional rods are inserted through the centeer of the bone for additional support. 

• Arthroplasty

  • To address fractures that affect joints, an arthroplasty procedure may be required. During this procedure, the injured joint is removed and replaced with an implant.

• Bone grafting

  • If a fracture does not heal properly, a surgeon may perform a bone graft. This involves transplanting either natural or synthetic bone to stimulate healing in the injured area.

Recovery

The recovery time for a fracture depends on factors such as the location and severity of the fracture, as well as the overall health and condition of the individual.

Generally, it takes 3 to 6 months for the bone to heal, but there are a few things you can do to support your bone healing process, such as:

• Taking prescribed medication.

• Maintain a healthy diet by taking balanced and nutritious foods.

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

• Participate in physical therapy to avoid the joint stiffness and arthritis at the joint near the fracture sites.

Preventing fractures

Although accidents can happen unexpectedly, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk of fractures, particularly for those with underlying health conditions.

These health tips focus on maintaining bone strength and creating safer environments for daily activities.

• Eat a balanced diet that is rich in calcium and vitamin D to keep the bones strong.

• Do a combination of light exercise like walking, resistance exercise, and flexibility exercises, such as yoga.

• Consider bone density testing if you're over 50 or have a family history of osteoporosis.

• Keep your home and workplace free from clutter that can cause you to accidentally trip.

• Install safety equipment in slippery places, such as handrails in bathrooms.

• Always use the proper tools or equipment at home to reach tall places; avoid standing on chairs or tables.

• Always wear seatbelts while using the car.

• Use appropriate protective gear during sports and physical activities.

• Avoid smoking, as nicotine increases the risk of bone fractures by weakening it and interfering with the healing process.

• Be cautious when walking on wet or uneven surfaces.

Complications

While bones often heal properly with proper care, complications may still occur, including:

• Improper bone healing

  • Sometimes, a fracture may heal improperly, resulting in misaligned bones. This can happen if there is a shift in the bone position during the healing process.

• Stunted growth

  • Fractures occurring near growth plates during childhood can hinder bone development and increase the risk of future deformities.

• Severe bleeding

  • Although rare, severe fractures, such as open injuries, can result in bleeding that may lead to life-threatening conditions like shock.

• Pulmonary embolism

  • This complication occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein, breaks off and travels to a lung. This condition can block an artery, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting.

• Infection

  • Compound fractures (open injuries) expose the bone directly to the environment and can cause bacteria to enter and cause infection. 

• Bone death (avascular necrosis) 

  • Fractures can disrupt the blood supply to the bone, leading to a deficiency in nutrients and oxygen, which can cause the bone tissue to die.

FAQ

How long does it take for a fracture to heal?

Generally, it takes 3 to 6 months for a fractured bone to heal completely. However, the exact healing time depends on several factors, including:

• The location and severity of the injury

• Your overall health condition and age

• Your compliance with the doctor's treatment recommendations

What are the types of fractures?

Here are the four types of fractures, categorised by their location in the body:

• The upper body

• Arm, hands, or wrists

• Lower body and legs

• Feet and ankles

What are 3 signs of a fracture?

The three most common signs of a fracture are:

• Severe pain in the injured area

• Swelling and bruising around the injury

• Inability to move the injured area and nearby joints

Is a fracture a break or a crack?

Both. A fracture refers to any break or crack in a bone that occurs when an external force to the bone exceeds its capacity to withstand pressure.

Can you fracture a bone and not know it?

Yes, it is possible to become fractured without immediately realising it, particularly with stress or hairline fractures. These fractures often show subtle symptoms compared to more severe breaks, including mild pain or discomfort that feels similar to a muscle strain.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.