Fracture: A fracture is a break in a bone. Fractures can range from a hairline crack in the bone to the bone being broken into two or more pieces that no longer line up correctly. A fracture may occur at the same time as other injuries, such as sprains, strains, or dislocations. Recovery time for a fracture can vary from weeks to months depending on a person’s age and health; the type, location and severity of the fracture.
Types of Fractures; Fractures have a variety of names. Below is a listing of the common types that may occur:
Greenstick - Incomplete fracture. The broken bone is not completely separated.
Transverse - The break is in a straight line across the bone.
Spiral - The break spirals around the bone; common in a twisting injury.
Oblique - Diagonal break across the bone.
Compression - The bone is crushed, causing the broken bone to be wider or flatter in appearance.
Comminuted - The break is in three or more pieces and fragments are present at the fracture site.
Segmental - The same bone is fractured in two places, so there is a “floating” segment of bone.
What Causes a Fracture? Fractures occur when there is more force applied to the bone than the bone can absorb. Bones are weakest when they are twisted. Breaks in bones can occur from falls, trauma, or as a result of a direct blow or kick to the body
Smoking and Bone Fracture: Tobacco and nicotine increase the risk of bone fractures and interfere with the healing process, according to a growing body of research. Nicotine can slow fracture healing, estrogen effectiveness, and can counter the antioxidant properties of vitamins C and E. ____________
