2. What is a Fracture? A break in a bone or cartilage Usually result of a trauma Sometimes caused by disease such as osteoporosis or osteogenesisimperfecta (brittle bone disease)
3. Why are Fractures Painful? Nerve endings surrounding bones contain pain fibers that become irritated Bleeding of bones causes swelling Muscles spasms trying to hold bones in place
4. How are Fractures Named? Classified by character and location Examples: “comminuted fracture of tibia” “greenstick fracture of humerus”
5. Comminuted Bone Fracture Bone is broken, splintered, or crushed into several pieces Comminuted Fracture of the Femur
6. Greenstick Bone Fracture Bone is only partially broken Common in children Bones are pliable Calcium has not completely solidified bones Greenstick Fracture of the Radius and Ulna
7. Oblique Bone Fracture Bone is broken at an angle, diagonal to long axis Oblique Fracture of the Tibia
8. Treatment of Bone Fractures Bone must be re-alligned according to type of fracture by an orthopedic doctor Splint may be worn until swelling subsides Elevation and ice Plaster or fiberglass cast is worn for immobilization, usually several weeks
