A fracture typically refers to a broken bone. It occurs when a force exerted against the bone is stronger than the bone can structurally withstand. Bones can break either partially or completely in a number of directions, including cross-wise, lengthwise or in the middle. In some cases, fractures cause little pain or may even go unnoticed. Usually patients experience severe or moderate pain.

Less commonly, cartilage can fracture, such as in the trachea, ribs, nose or ear. A bone fracture can also involve fracturing of the cartilage on the end of that bone.

Bones form the human frame (skeleton) that supports and protects the organs and other softer parts of the body. Contrary to popular belief, bones are not static or lifeless. They are a form of connective tissue, with new cells replacing old ones throughout a person’s life. Large bones have a center made of marrow, which has cells that develop into red blood cells red blood cells (which carry oxygen to all parts of the body) and white blood cells (which help fight disease). The minerals calcium and phosphorus are also found in bones.

Fractures can occur in any bone but are most likely to occur in the wrist, ankle or hip:

• Wrist fractures. Usually occur in the lower end of the radius, the bone on the thumb side of the forearm. This causes backward displacement of the wrist and hand and is often known as a Colles’ fracture. These fractures may occur when a person uses an outstretched hand to try to break a fall.
  
  
• Ankle fractures. A break in one or more of the three bones – tibia, fibula and talus – that make up the ankle joint. Ankle fractures often also injure one or more of the three groups of ligaments that act to stabilize the ankle joint.
  
  
• Hip fractures. Often occur after a person falls and usually affect the elderly, who may have brittle bones due to a bone-thinning condition known as osteoporosis. Hip fractures can involve the pelvis or femur (thigh bone). They typically require hospitalization and surgery. Sometimes joint replacement is required. They can result in disability or even death from postoperative complications. In fact, 24 percent of hip fracture patients aged 50 or older die in the first year after the fracture, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF).

Other areas prone to fractures include the spine, ribs, arm, fingers, leg, ankle, heel, foot, clavicle (collar bone) and jaw.

Fractures vary in severity, with several factors determining the significance of a fracture. Such factors include the degree and direction of the force placed upon the bone, the type of bone involved and the person’s age and general health.

In some cases, complications may be associated with bone fractures. These include:

• Shock. A bad fracture can result in substantial loss of blood due to the rich blood supply found in a bone, which can lead to shock (e.g., thigh bone fracture). Shock is characterized by decreased blood supply to body tissues due to blood loss from the fractured bone, as blood carries oxygen through the body.
  
  
• Injuries to organs. Sometimes, a bone fracture can injure nearby organs. Examples include a skull fracture that injures the brain or a rib fracture that injures organs in the chest cavity.
  
  
• Growth problems. Children who fracture bones may damage the growth plates at the end of bones that regulate bone growth. This can cause the bone to grow at an angle or grow more slowly than normal.