Bone fracture overview: Difference between revisions
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==Historical Perspective== | ==Historical Perspective== | ||
Any type of bone break is a fracture. The word break is not used in a formal orthopaedic terminology. | Any type of bone break is a fracture. The word break is not used in a formal orthopaedic terminology. | ||
==Risk Factors== | |||
Fractures commonly occur because of falls or sports [[injuries]]. Additionally, overuse can cause stress fractures, which are very small cracks in the bone. Therefore, those who participate in rigorous physical activities or in high risk activities are more likely to get a fracture. Another common cause of fractures is [[osteoporosis]], which causes weakening of the bones. People with this condition, especially the elderly, are at higher risk of fractures due to falls since their bones cannot withstand as much stress. | |||
==References== | ==References== |
Revision as of 15:35, 6 February 2013
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
A bone fracture is a medical condition in which a bone is cracked or broken. While many fractures are the result of high force impact or stress, bone fracture can also occur as a result of certain medical conditions that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis, certain types of cancer or osteogenesis imperfecta.
Historical Perspective
Any type of bone break is a fracture. The word break is not used in a formal orthopaedic terminology.
Risk Factors
Fractures commonly occur because of falls or sports injuries. Additionally, overuse can cause stress fractures, which are very small cracks in the bone. Therefore, those who participate in rigorous physical activities or in high risk activities are more likely to get a fracture. Another common cause of fractures is osteoporosis, which causes weakening of the bones. People with this condition, especially the elderly, are at higher risk of fractures due to falls since their bones cannot withstand as much stress.