What is a fracture?

A fracture is a break in a bone. It may involve a small crack, a break that leaves the bone pieces in place, or a more complicated injury in which the pieces have moved out of their normal position.

A fracture is described as closed when the skin remains intact. An open fracture occurs when a wound communicates with the broken bone. Open fractures require emergency assessment because they may involve significant damage to surrounding tissues and a risk of infection.

Different fractures affect people in different ways. Their seriousness depends on the bone involved, the position of the broken pieces, the condition of the surrounding tissues and other clinical factors.

How is a fracture diagnosed?

A healthcare professional will ask about the injury and examine the affected area.

Pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, deformity or difficulty using the affected limb may suggest a fracture. However, symptoms alone are not always enough to confirm or exclude one.

An X-ray is commonly used to identify a broken bone and assess its position. In some cases, additional imaging or a later examination is needed.

The healthcare professional will also consider whether nearby joints, muscles, nerves, blood vessels or skin have been affected.

How are fractures treated?

The main goals of fracture treatment are to support healing, maintain or restore appropriate bone alignment, protect surrounding tissues and help the person regain function.

Depending on the injury, treatment may include the following approaches.

Support with a cast, splint or brace

A cast or splint can help protect the injured area and limit movement while the bone heals. A splint is sometimes used initially when swelling is expected.

Repositioning the bone

If the broken pieces are not in an acceptable position, a healthcare professional may need to realign them. This is a medical procedure and should not be attempted at home.

Surgery

Some fractures require an operation to restore alignment, stabilise the bone or treat associated injuries. Plates, screws, rods or other devices may be used when appropriate.

Not every fracture requires surgery, and not every fracture can be managed safely with a cast alone.

What determines the treatment choice?

The healthcare team considers several factors, including:

  • Which bone is broken and where the fracture is located.
  • Whether the broken pieces have moved out of position.
  • Whether the fracture is stable.
  • Whether the skin or surrounding tissues have been injured.
  • The person’s age, general health and everyday needs.

Your healthcare professional should explain the recommended approach, its purpose and any important alternatives or risks.

What happens during healing?

Bone healing takes time, and the expected course varies according to the fracture and the individual.

A reduction in pain does not necessarily mean that the bone is strong enough for unrestricted activity. You may need to avoid certain movements, lifting or weight-bearing until your healthcare team confirms that they are appropriate.

Follow-up examinations or X-rays may be used when needed to assess healing and ensure the bone remains in an acceptable position.

After a period of restricted movement, some people require rehabilitation to improve mobility and strength.

Questions to ask about your fracture

  • Where is the fracture, and what type is it?
  • Is the bone in an acceptable position?
  • Why has this treatment been recommended?
  • Do I need a cast, splint, operation or another intervention?
  • When can I safely move or put weight on the injured area?
  • Do I need follow-up imaging or rehabilitation?

When to seek further care

Obtain urgent medical assessment if you develop severe or worsening pain, numbness, loss of movement, or a cold or discoloured hand or foot.

Report new problems with your treatment, including a cast that becomes excessively tight or damaged.

Related material

Sources and further reading:

Sources & further reading