A fracture is a broken bone that occurs when physical force exceeds the strength of the bone. There are many types of fractures including open or closed, comminuted, greenstick, stress, spiral, and more. Treatment depends on the severity and location, with common options being casts, splints, braces, or surgery to internally fix the bone using plates, screws, rods or wires. Fractures are common injuries that increase in risk with age due to bone density loss.