Broken bone

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Bone fracture repair - series	External fixation device	Fracture, forearm - X-ray	Fractures across a growth plate
Fracture types (1)	Fracture types (2)	Internal fixation devices	X-ray

If more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will split or break. A break of any size is called a fracture. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open fracture (compound fracture).

A stress fracture is a hairline crack in the bone that develops because of repeated or prolonged forces against the bone.

Bone - broken; Fracture; Stress fracture

It is hard to tell a dislocated bone from a broken bone. However, both are emergency situations, and the basic first aid steps are the same.

The following are common causes of broken bones:

• Fall from a height
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Direct blow
• Child abuse
• Repetitive forces, such as those caused by running, can cause stress fractures of the foot, ankle, tibia, or hip

Review Date: 06/10/2005
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy.