A fracture is commonly referred to as a broken bone. The bones of the body form the human frame, or skeleton, which supports and protects the softer parts of the body. Bones are living tissue. They grow rapidly during one's early years, and renew themselves when they are broken. Bones have a center called the marrow, which is softer than the outer part of the bone. Bone marrow has cells that develop into red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body and into white blood cells that help fight disease. Bones also contain the minerals calcium and phosphorus. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open or compound fracture. Fractures commonly happen because of car accidents, falls or sports injuries. Another cause is osteoporosis, which causes weakening of the bones.

Bone fracture can also occur as a result of certain medical conditions that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis, certain types of cancer or steogenesisimperfecta.
Overuse can cause stress fractures. There are many types of fractures, but the main categories are complete, incomplete, compound and simple. Complete and incomplete fractures refer to the way the bone breaks: In a complete fracture, the bone snaps into two or more parts; in an incomplete fracture, the bone cracks but does not break all the way through. In a compound fracture, also called an open fracture, the bone breaks through the skin; it may then recede back into the wound and not be visible through the skin. In a simple fracture, also called a closed fracture, the bone breaks but there is no open wound in the skin.

First aid for fractures includes stabilizing the break with a splint in order to prevent movement of the injured part. Apply ice packs to limit swelling and help relieve pain until emergency personnel arrive. Don't apply ice directly to the skin wrap the ice in a towel, piece of cloth or some other material. Apply pressure to the wound with a sterile bandage, a clean cloth or a clean piece of clothing. Don't try to realign the bone. Surgical methods of treating fractures have their own risks and benefits. A plaster or fiberglass cast is the most common type of fracture treatment, because most broken bones can heal successfully once they have been repositioned. Traction is usually used to align a bone or bones by a gentle, steady pulling action. Proper diet and exercise.

Fractures Treatment Tips

1. Don't try to realign the bone.

2. Apply pressure to the wound with a sterile bandage.

3. Proper diet and exercise may help in preventing some fractures.

4. Traction is usually used to align a bone or bones by a gentle, steady pulling action.

5. Apply ice packs to limit swelling and help relieve pain until emergency personnel arrive.

6. A plaster or fiberglass cast is the most common type of fracture treatment.

7. Don't apply ice directly to the skin wrap the ice in a towel, piece of cloth or some other material.