CHEONG, DENOVE, ROWELL & BENNETT
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Injury Definitions
Broken Bones
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Bones are rigid, but they do bend, or give
somewhat when an outside force is applied to
them. When this force stops, bone returns to
its original shape. However, if the force is
too great bones will break (fracture), just
as a plastic ruler breaks after being bent
too far. The severity of a fracture usually
depends on the force that caused the
fracture. If the bone's breaking point has
been exceeded only slightly, then the bone
may crack rather than breaking all the way
through. A comminuted fracture is when the
bone fragments into several pieces. An
impacted fracture occurs when a bone fragment
is embedded into another bone fragment |
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A compound fracture
is when the bone
protrudes though the skin. This is also known
as an open fracture. A
complete fracture is when the bone snaps completely into two or more pieces.
An incomplete fracture occurs when the bone cracks, but does not separate.
This is also referred to as a hairline fracture. A compression fracture is
to the bones, or vertebrae, that make up the spine, and occurs when the
vertebral body collapses.
All forms of treatment of broken bones
follow one basic rule: the broken pieces must be put back into position and
prevented from moving out of place until they are healed. The type of
treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture. Various
treatments for fractures include cast immobilization, functional cast or
brace (limited movement is allowed), and traction (aligning a bone or bones
by a gentle, steady pulling action). These are called closed reductions.
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Surgery can be utilized to treat a fracture. This is called an open
reduction. At times, a fracture requires pins, plates, screws and wires to
properly align and hold the fracture together. Each of these treatment
methods can lead to a completely healed, well-aligned bone that functions
well.
For
related information go to:
Back Injuries,
Foot & Ankle Injuries,
Hip Injuries,
Knee Injuries and
Pain.
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intended to be, legal advice. This web site is designed for
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