A fracture is a break in the bone. There are several factors that can influence fractures, such as age, disease, and location of the break. There are different types of fractures including simple (closed break in the bone), compound (open break where the bone pierces the skin), complete (bone broken into two or more pieces), and incomplete (bone is cracked but not completely broken). Specific types of fractures include comminuted (bone shattered into fragments), impacted (broken bones jammed together), and pathologic (caused by weakened bones from disease like osteoporosis).

1. Understanding Fractures Chapter 4 Presentation Created By: Dominique Michel

2. What Is Considered A Fracture ? A fracture is a medical condition, which there is a break in the bone or cartilage. A fracture is sometimes abbreviated as FX, Fx or FRX. Although many fractures are the result of high force (impact or stress), some occur as a result of some medical condition.

3. Factors And Characteristics That Are Associated With Fractures Age- fractures that occur during childhood are very common and less complex than adult fractures. While fractures in older persons require a greater recovery time than younger persons. Disease- many diseases weaken the bones causing the bones to fracture easily. Location- A fracture that occurs close to blood vessels or nerves can cause dangerous complication if not treated quickly. Damage- The damage to the bone can also affect the tissue near it. For example, open fractures. It is possible that if not treated quickly, the damage may result in an infection.

4. Types of Fractures There are many types of fractures, but the main categories are compound, simple, complete and incomplete. In a simple fracture (closed fracture) the bone is broken, but the skin is still intact. In a compound fracture (open fracture) the bone is broken through the skin; in some cases the bone recedes back into the wound and can not be seen through the skin. A fracture is considered complete when the bone is broken into two or more parts. A fracture is considered incomplete when the bone is not broken completely, but cracked.

5. Types of Fractures (cont.) Simple fractures include, but are not limited to comminuted fractures and impacted fractures Other types of fractures are pathological fractures.

6. Understanding Comminuted Fractures A comminuted fracture is a fracture in which the bone is in fragments. The bone is either crushed, shattered or splintered. These fractures can be considered either simple (closed) or compound (open).

7. Comminuted Fractures (Images)

8. Understand Impacted Fractures An impacted fracture (buckle fracture) occurs when the broken ends of the bone are jammed together by the impact of an injury This type of fracture is commonly seen in children with arm fractures.

9. Impacted Fractures (Images)

10. Understanding Pathologic Fractures A pathologic fractures is a fracture caused by weakened bones, brought on by a disease. This type of fracture is commonly found in people who have osteoporosis- causes a reduces the bone’s mass which results in thinning and weakening of the bones. Bones become more porous. Occurs more in the spine and pelvis.

11. Pathologic Fractures (Images)

12. The End I hope everyone enjoyed my presentation!