Signs and Symptoms

What is a fracture?

A fracture is a break in the bone. Fractures can be easily identified on X-rays. Fractures can be non-displaced, minimally displaced or completely displaced and separated. Symptoms of a fracture include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the injured bone or adjacent joint. There are various types of fractures, including compound fractures (when the bone breaks through the skin), transverse fractures (when the fracture line is horizontal), comminuted fracture (when the bone shatters), and pathological fractures (when the bone breaks due to a tumor) to name a few. Treatment varies, however treatment options include, a cast or brace, external fixation, or open reduction and internal fixation. Orthopedic oncologists treat pathological fractures most often. The tumor grows and destroys and weakens the bone like a cavity in a tooth. The bone can more easily break with normal activities because of it being weakened.