A split or crack can be caused by several things including an object falling on a surface and creating a sharp edge, or a fall from a height that could cause extensive pressure to a tiny area of the body. A fracture can be described as a break in the continuity of a bone. Fractures are most often caused by blunt force trauma such as a fall or a motor vehicle accident. If you have a fracture, you may not be able to move the affected area of your body. Depending on the severity of the fracture, you may need surgery or other medical treatment. If you think you have suffered a fracture, you may need to see a Katy fractures specialist for proper treatment. In this article, we look at some of the different types of fractures.
Open Fractures
An open fracture is when the bone pierces through the overlying skin. This fracture type is caused by a direct blow or penetrating trauma that breaks a bone into several pieces. The severity of an open fracture depends on how many bones are broken and how severe the wounds are.
Open fractures can be immediately life-threatening because of the bone fragments, debris, dirt, and other material entering the wound. As a result, open fractures can cause an infection that could be life-threatening. Open fractures in the hands or feet are particularly dangerous since it may not be possible to walk or move properly with these types of injuries.
Closed Fractures
A closed fracture is when the bone does not break through the overlying skin. This type of fracture is often more challenging to diagnose and may result in confusion. The severity of a closed fracture depends on the amount of damage to surrounding tissues, such as ligaments and muscles, and whether any blood vessels have been damaged.
A closed fracture can often be identified by swelling and tenderness in the affected area, especially along with bruising. A closed fracture is not life-threatening like an open fracture because there are no bone fragments or dirt in the wound. As a result, you will not get an infection from a closed fracture.
Compression Fractures
A compression fracture is a type of broken bone caused by the bending force of gravity. A compression fracture often occurs in the spine, particularly in very thin or older people. If you have osteoporosis, you may be more prone to having this type of fracture.
This type of fracture is often caused by overuse, such as in athletes who participate in sports that involve running, jumping, and landing. Older people are also likely to get compression fractures because their bones become weaker with age.
Displaced Fractures
A displaced fracture is a break in the bone that causes the broken ends to no longer be aligned. This type of fracture often happens when more than two pieces of bone are broken.
Displaced fractures are likely to have more damage caused by blood vessels, muscles, and ligaments, compared with other types of fractures. As a result, it may be necessary to see a Katy fractures specialist for surgery.
In summary, a fracture is a break in the continuity of a bone. The most common types of fractures include compression fractures, displaced fractures, closed fractures, and open fractures.
Johnson