Medical References

Diseases & Conditions

Women's Health

Mental Health

Men's Health

Medical Web Links

MOL Site Map

Sites

Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news

Broken Bone - Bone Fracture

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

A bone fracture is a break in a bone. The surrounding tissues are usually injured as well. Bone fractures are classified as:

simple or closed fracture, in which the broken bone does not come through the skin

compound or open fracture, in which the bone pierces the skin or the skin is torn or scraped

Bone fractures are also classified by the position of the bone fragments, as follows:

comminuted, in which the bone breaks into small pieces

impacted, in which one bone fragment is forced into another

angulated, in which fragments lie at an angle to each other

displaced, in which the fragments separate and are deformed

nondisplaced, in which the 2 sections of bone keep their normal alignment

overriding, in which fragments overlap and the total length of the bone is shortened

segmental, in which fractures occur in 2 nearby areas with an isolated central segment

avulsed, in which fragments are pulled from their normal positions by muscles or ligaments

What are the causes and risks of the injury?

A bone fracture occurs when the force against a bone is greater than the strength of the bone. Most fractures result from an injury, such as that caused by an automobile accident or a fall. Factors that increase a person's risk of bone fracture include:

normal aging, which causes the bones to become more brittle

osteoporosis, or excess bone thinning that results from loss of calcium in the bone

menopause. During menopause, the ovaries stop making estrogen, which normally protects against bone loss.

removal of the ovaries

diet low in calcium or vitamin D

sedentary lifestyle

eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia

family history of osteoporosis

medications such as corticosteroids, certain medications for seizures, and some medications used for high blood pressure

excess alcohol intake

smoking

hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone

hypogonadism, a condition in which the ovaries in women or testes in men do not function normally

hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which the parathyroid gland makes too much parathyroid hormone. This hormone can affect calcium levels in the bloodstream and weaken bone further.

rheumatoid arthritis, a condition in which the body attacks its own joint tissue

cancers affecting the bone

physical abuse, including child abuse, elder abuse, and spousal abuse. Bone fractures are often seen in abused children and adults.

Home • Sitemap • Contact Us • Advertising • Press Room • Give Us Your Feedback • Read Our Terms & Conditions and Our Disclaimer • Privacy Statement