Fractures or DislocationsMedical Author:
Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
N Stuart Harris, MD, MFA
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
James Kimo Takayesu, MD
Fractures or Dislocations OverviewA 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. |
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Fractures or Dislocations
Sprains and Strains Overview
The body is meant to move. Muscles allow that movement to happen by contracting and making joints flex, extend and rotate. Muscles attach on each side of the joint to bone by thick bands of fibrous tissue called tendons. When a muscle contracts, it shortens and pulls on the tendon, which allows the joint to go through a range of motion.
A strain occurs when the muscle tendon unit is stretched or torn. The most common reason is the overuse and stretching of the muscle. The damage may occur in three areas:
- The muscle itself may tear.
- The area where the muscle and tendon blend can tear.
- The tendon may tear partially or completely (rupture).
Joints are stabilized by thick bands of tissue called ligaments which surround them. These ligaments allow the joint to move only in specific directions. Some joints move in multiple planes; therefore, they need mor...
Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape
Fracture, Knee »
Fractures of the knee include fractures of the patella, femoral condyles, tibial eminence, tibial tuberosity, and tibial plateau.
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