Bone fracture abbreviated frx or Fx, Fx, or #

Effects of smoking[edit]

Smokers generally have lower bone density than non-smokers, so they have a much higher risk of fractures. There is also evidence that smoking delays bone healing.^[6]

Diagnosis[edit]




Radiography to identify possible fractures after a knee injury

A bone fracture may be diagnosed based on the history given and the physical examination performed. Radiographic imaging often is performed to confirm the diagnosis. Under certain circumstances, radiographic examination of the nearby joints is indicated in order to exclude dislocations and fracture-dislocations. In situations where projectional radiography alone is insufficient, Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be indicated.

Classification[edit]

"Compound Fracture" redirects here. For the 2013 horror film, see Compound Fracture (film).

Compare healthy bone with different types of fractures:

   (a) closed fracture
   (b) open fracture
   (c) transverse fracture
   (d) spiral fracture
   (e) comminuted fracture
   (f) impacted fracture
   (g) greenstick fracture
   (h) oblique fracture

Open ankle fracture with luxation

P eriprosthetic fracture of left femur

In orthopedic medicine, fractures are classified in various ways. Historically they are named after the physician who first described the fracture conditions, however, there are more systematic classifications as well.

They may be divided into stable versus unstable depending on the likelihood that they may shift further.

Mechanism[edit]

• 
  Traumatic fracture – a fracture due to sustained trauma. e.g., fractures caused by a fall, road traffic accident, fight, etc.
  
• 
  Pathologic fracture – a fracture through a bone that has been made weak by some underlying disease is called pathological fracture. e.g., a fracture through a bone weakened by metastasis. Osteoporosis is the most common cause of pathological fracture.
  
• 
  Periprosthetic fracture – a fracture at the point of mechanical weakness at the end of an implant