Fractures: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Management
🦴 Fractures: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Management Introduction A fracture refers to a break in the continuity of a bone, caused by excessive force, trauma, or pathological weakening of bone tissue. Fractures are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries encountered in medical practice. Their management requires prompt diagnosis, stabilization, and a structured rehabilitation plan to ensure complete healing and restore function. According to a 2021 review in The Lancet Rheumatology , fractures represent a significant global health issue, with more than 178 million new cases reported worldwide each year ( PubMed ID: 34348191 ). Anatomy and Physiology Behind Fractures Bones are dynamic structures that can withstand substantial stress due to their composite structure of collagen (for flexibility) and calcium phosphate (for strength) . However, when external forces exceed bone strength, the structure fails, resulting in a fracture. Healing occurs in three major stages: ...