A fracture is a break in a bone.

Fractures can range from a hairline crack in the bone to the bone being broken into two or more pieces that no longer line up correctly. A fracture may occur at the same time as other injuries, such as sprains, strains, or dislocations.

Signs and symptoms of a fracture may include:

• A pop or snap felt or heard at the time of the injury.
• Pain that increases with movement or when pressure is applied to the area.
• Swelling and bruising in the injured area.
• Limited movement in the injured area.
• A bend or movement in a bone where there is no joint (for example, a bend in the arm between the elbow and wrist).
• Bone poking through the skin or visible in the wound.

A fracture and other injuries that often occur at the same time require medical attention. A health professional may set, cast, or splint a broken bone to help the bone heal. Some fractures may require surgery.

Recovery time for a fracture can vary from weeks to months depending on a person's age and health; the type, location and severity of the fracture; and whether there are other injuries that may make treatment more complicated.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised	July 20, 2010