Fracture vs. Break

By Nikki Clayton, PT, DPT, ATC

Did I Break My Arm or Fracture It?

If you have asked yourself this question, you aren’t the only one. People often get confused by the terminology used by physicians when describing a fracture of the bone. The honest truth, a fracture is a broken bone. In other words, they mean the same thing.

Overview of Fractures

Your doctor will often use the terms fracture and break interchangeably. Both of these words mean that the normal bone structure has been changed, compromised or disrupted. Breaks are caused by many various reasons, which are broadly described as traumatic and pathological in nature. Traumatic fractures are commonly due to a forceful trauma, typically due to some sort of impact or fall. Pathological fractures are usually due to a condition such as osteoporosis that weakens the structure of the bone.

Diagnosis of Fractures

The diagnosis of fractures/breaks are through imagining techniques. Also, X-ray is the most common method of determining if your bone is broke. In some cases, CT scans must be used to determine a fracture due to location, the type of break or the nature of the bone which is involved. If you suspect a broken bone, it is best you see a physician at the earliest convenience due to long-term complications, such as nonunion (permanent failure of healing following a broken bone), delayed (a fracture that takes longer than usual to heal) or mal union (a fract that has healed in a less than optimal position).

To read about stress fractures, please go to what is a stress fracture.

Treatment by JOI for Fractures

The treatment of fractures varies depending on type, location and the preference of treatment of the MD. Typically, treatment of fractures are through immobilization of the bone and approximation. Approximation is necessary to ensure facilitation of satisfactory healing. Immobilization varies from a hard cast, a soft splint, a removable splint and many other options. Consult your MD or any of our well qualified orthopedic specialists at Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute if you are concerned of a fracture.

Some breaks need to be stabilized by surgery.  It important to make sure that your fractured bones heals in the correct way.  There are several different types of breaks and not all bones heal the same way.

If you suffer a break in one of your bones it is important to know the different types of casting that are available. Watch this video from The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute,  We now offer ActivArmor 3D Printed Waterproof Cast

Related Articles:

• Paget’s Disease
• What is a Compound Ankle Fracture?
• Bennett’s Fracture: Break At The Base of Your Thumb

JOI and JOI Rehab

JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.

You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.

To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.

By: Nikki Clayton, PT, DPT, ATC