A fracture is a broken bone. A bone may be completely fractured or partially fractured in any number of ways. Fractures can occur because of direct blows, twisting injuries, or fall.

Common types of fractures include:

• Stable fracture, where the fracture is still in place.

• Open, compound fracture. The skin may be pierced by the bone

• Transverse fracture. This type of fracture has a horizontal fracture line.

• Oblique fracture. This type of fracture has an angled pattern.

• Comminuted fracture. In this type of fracture, the bone shatters into three or more pieces.

Symptoms

Many fractures are very painful and may prevent you from moving the injured area. Other common symptoms include:

• Swelling and tenderness around the injury

• Bruising

• Deformity — a limb may look “out of place” or a part of the bone may puncture through the skin