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Broken bone

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Broken bone

Definition:

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.

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Alternative Names:
Bone - broken; Fracture; Stress fracture

Considerations:

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.

Causes:

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

References:

Browner, BD.  Skeletal Trauma: Basic Science, Management, and Reconstruction. 3^rd Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2003.

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