What is a fracture?

A fracture is a break in a bone, ranging from a small hairline crack to a complete break into multiple pieces, and can be caused by trauma, repetitive stress, or weakened bone (like osteoporosis). Common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected.

Surgical and non-surgical treatment options

Surgical: Plates/screws/rods to hold bone together, a metal rod through the bone’s center (for long bones), an external frame with pins (for severe breaks), bone grafts (for gaps or slow healing), or joint replacement (common for hip fractures).

Non-surgical: Cast/splint (most common), manual resetting of the bone, brace, or rest for minor breaks. Also includes:

• Physical therapy – restores strength, motion, and function once healing allows
• Home exercises – gentle movement/stretching to prevent stiffness during recovery
• Medications – pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, or calcium/vitamin D to support bone healing
• Lifestyle changes – reduced weight-bearing, activity modification, better nutrition, quitting smoking (impairs bone healing)

Common Symptoms of a fracture

• Pain (often worse with movement)
• Swelling and tenderness around the injury
• Bruising and/or discoloration
• Deformity — a limb may look “out of place” or a part of the bone may puncture through the skin
• Exposed bone (“open fracture”): call 911 and head to the nearest ER.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves getting an x-ray to confirm and precisely locate and identify the type of break — all of which will factor into how best to treat it.