Powered by the Evidence-based Practice Centers
Fractures
Description
A fracture is a break, usually in a bone. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open or compound fracture. Fractures commonly happen because of car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Other causes are low bone density and osteoporosis, which cause weakening of the bones. Overuse can cause stress fractures, which are very small cracks in the bone.
Symptoms of a fracture are
- Intense pain
- Deformity - the limb looks out of place
- Swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the injury
- Numbness and tingling
- Problems moving a limb
You need to get medical care right away for any fracture. An x-ray can tell if your bone is broken. You may need to wear a cast or splint. Sometimes you need surgery to put in plates, pins or screws to keep the bone in place.
Products
Research Protocol Archived February 17, 2016
Presentation Archived August 20, 2013
Systematic Review Archived March 28, 2012
Systematic Review Archived March 13, 2012
Technical Brief Archived November 15, 2011
Clinician Summary Archived May 17, 2011
Systematic Review Archived May 17, 2011
Research Protocol Archived December 9, 2010
Systematic Review Archived September 27, 2010
Research Protocol Archived August 6, 2010
Research Protocol Archived May 14, 2010
Research Protocol Archived December 9, 2009
Systematic Review Archived December 17, 2007