15241 Bone Fractures

Overview

A bone fracture is a break in a bone. It can range from a thin crack to a complete break, and the bone may or may not push through the skin.

Yes, bone fractures are very common. Most people will experience at least one at some point in their lives.

Fractures can affect anyone, but they are more common in children, older adults, and people with weak bones from conditions like osteoporosis.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain that gets worse when you move or touch the area
• Swelling and bruising
• Difficulty moving the injured part
• The area looking bent or out of place (deformity)
• A snapping or grinding feeling at the time of injury

Symptoms in children

• Refusing to use the injured limb
• Crying or showing distress when the limb is moved or touched
• Visible swelling or bruising
• In babies, changes in feeding or sleeping patterns

Symptoms in older adults

• Less obvious pain — you might only notice difficulty using the arm or leg
• Confusion or new trouble walking after a fall
• Pain in the hip, wrist, or spine without a clear injury
• Feeling generally unwell after a fall

Causes

Main causes

• Falls from standing height or higher
• A direct blow to the body, such as in sports or accidents
• Traffic accidents
• Repetitive overuse, which can cause stress fractures
• Weakening of bones due to osteoporosis or other bone conditions

Risk factors

• Older age
• Osteoporosis or other bone diseases
• Low calcium or vitamin D levels
• Smoking or excessive alcohol use
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
• Participation in high-impact sports or activities

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you suspect a fracture and have pain, swelling, or difficulty using the limb, see a doctor the same day.
• If you have an open wound over the injured area, go to urgent care or the emergency department immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have persistent pain that does not go away after a few days
• If you think you may have a stress fracture from overuse
• If you have a previous fracture and now have new pain in the same area
• If you are unsure whether you need an X-ray

Diagnosis

A doctor will examine the injured area, ask how the injury happened, and then usually order an imaging test to look at the bone.

Tests that may be done

• X-ray — the most common and quickest test for detecting fractures
• CT scan — used for complex fractures or when more detail is needed
• MRI — used occasionally to see stress fractures or damage to soft tissues

What to expect at your appointment

You may be given a splint or cast to keep the bone still while you wait for final treatment. The doctor will explain the type of fracture and what you can expect during healing.

Treatment

Treatment aims to hold the broken bone pieces in a good position so they can heal together. This is often done with a cast or splint, but some fractures require surgery to fix the bone.

Self-care at home

• Keep your cast or splint dry and clean
• Raise the injured area on pillows when resting to help reduce swelling
• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 15–20 minutes at a time to the area around the cast
• Follow your doctor's advice on how much weight you can put on the limb
• Take pain relief as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist

Medical treatments

A doctor may realign the bone without surgery (called a reduction). After that, a cast or splint is used to keep the bone still. For more severe fractures, surgery may be needed to place metal plates, screws, or pins to hold the bone in alignment. Your doctor will develop a treatment plan that is safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually considered when there is an open fracture (bone through the skin), when the fracture is unstable or cannot be aligned properly, or when the fracture involves a joint. Your doctor will discuss this with you if it is necessary.

Living with this condition

Expect to limit your usual activities while the bone heals. Your doctor will tell you how long you need to rest and when you can gradually return to work, school, or sport. Keep any follow-up appointments so your doctor can check that the bone is healing well.

Lifestyle tips

• Do not smoke, as smoking can slow bone healing
• Limit alcohol intake, as it can affect bone health
• Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Maintain a healthy weight to avoid extra stress on bones
• Ask your doctor before starting any new exercise or physical activity

Diet and exercise

Good nutrition is essential for bone healing. Include foods like dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fish, which provide calcium and vitamin D. Once your doctor says it is safe, do gentle exercises to maintain muscle strength and flexibility. Physical therapy can help you regain movement and strength.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel frustrated, anxious, or low while you recover. You may need help with daily activities and that is okay. Talk to your family, friends, or doctor about how you feel. Your healthcare team can also help you access support services if you need them.

Prevention

Many fractures can be prevented. You can reduce fall risks by making your home safer, wearing protective gear during sports, using seatbelts, and keeping your bones strong with a healthy diet and regular weight-bearing exercise.

Screening programmes

If you are at higher risk of osteoporosis, your doctor may suggest a bone density scan. Ask your doctor if bone density screening would be helpful for you.

Complications

If left untreated

• The bone may heal in the wrong position, causing deformity
• The fracture may not heal, which is called a nonunion
• Infection could develop, especially in open fractures
• Blood clots in the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis
• Long-term pain or stiffness in the affected area

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment, most fractures heal completely within weeks or months. Your doctor and physiotherapist can help you regain strength and return to your normal activities. Following your treatment plan and keeping a positive outlook are key to a good recovery.

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