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Bone Fracture
Alternate Names : Broken Bone
A bone fracture is a break in a bone. The surrounding tissues are usually
injured as well. Bone fractures are classified as:
simple or closed fracture, in which the broken bone does not come through
the skin
compound or open fracture, in which the bone pierces the skin or the
skin is torn or scraped
Bone fractures are also classified by the position of the bone fragments, as
follows:
comminuted, in which the bone breaks into small pieces
impacted, in which one bone fragment is forced into another
angulated, in which fragments lie at an angle to each other
displaced, in which the fragments separate and are deformed
nondisplaced, in which the 2 sections of bone keep their normal
alignment
overriding, in which fragments overlap and the total length of the bone
is shortened
segmental, in which fractures occur in 2 nearby areas with an isolated
central segment
avulsed, in which fragments are pulled from their normal positions by
muscles or ligaments
What are the causes and risks of the injury?
A bone fracture occurs when the force against a bone is greater than the
strength of the bone. Most fractures result from an injury, such as that caused
by an automobile accident or a fall. Factors that increase a person's risk of
bone fracture include:
normal aging, which
causes the bones to become more brittle
osteoporosis, or excess bone thinning that results from loss of
calcium in the bone
menopause. During menopause, the ovaries stop making estrogen,
which normally protects against bone loss.
removal of the ovaries
diet low in calcium
or vitamin D
sedentary lifestyle
eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia
family history of osteoporosis
medications such as corticosteroids, certain medications for seizures, and some medications used for
high blood pressure
excess alcohol
intake
smoking
hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland makes too
much thyroid hormone
hypogonadism, a
condition in which the ovaries in women or testes in men do not function
normally
hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which the parathyroid gland
makes too much parathyroid hormone. This hormone can affect calcium levels in
the bloodstream and weaken bone further.
rheumatoid arthritis, a
condition in which the body attacks its own joint tissue
cancers affecting the
bone
physical abuse,
including
child abuse, elder
abuse, and spousal
abuse. Bone fractures are often seen in abused children and
adults.
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Author: Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed: 07/13/01
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