Wilderness: Fractures or Dislocations

Black Widow vs. Brown Recluse Slideshow

• Fractures or Dislocations Overview
• Fractures or Dislocations Symptoms
• Fractures or Dislocations Treatment
• When to Seek Medical Care
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Related fracture articles:
  Fractures - on WebMD
  Fractures - on MedicineNet

Fractures or Dislocations Overview

A fracture is a break or crack in the bone. Several types of fractures exist, but fractures resulting in bone fragments that penetrate the surface of the skin (called compound fractures or open fractures) are particularly dangerous. Poor positioning of the fractured extremity can obstruct blood flow to the affected limb.

A dislocation occurs when 2 bones are out of place at the joint. Dislocation may also cause injury to nerves and blood vessels. Joints that become dislocated and later heal are more likely to become dislocated again.