Fracture or Break?
Friday September 19, 2003
A fracture is a broken bone. A broken bone is a fracture.
While many people believe that a fracture is a "hairline break," or a certain type of broken bone, this is not true. A fracture and a broken bone are the same thing!
Both of these words mean that the normal bone architecture has been disrupted. This does not imply a certain type of treatment, but in general, bones heal best when immobilized. Therefore treatment often involves casting of the broken bone (or fracture) and may require surgery to secure the bone into place.
Thanks, this is great. I have been having this argument with a colleague for ages. And now i have my proof. Why is it thought that a fracture is a hariline break though? Where did it start? Thanks anyway. Much appreciated.
Sam
thank you very much, every time a talk about my broken bone my father rudely interrupts and tells me that it is not broken, it is fractured. This just blew his mind! He still won’t have it though.