A fracture is a broken bone. A closed fracture (also called a simple fracture) is one in which a bone is broken, but the skin remains intact. Most fractures are considered closed fractures.
- Another type of fracture is called an open fracture (or compound fracture), which differs from a closed fracture because the bone can be seen protruding from the skin or is visible through a deep wound.
- An open fracture is a medical emergency. Seek medical attention immediately if a bone pierces the skin or can be seen through an open wound following an injury.
What Are Symptoms of a Closed Fracture?
Symptoms of a closed fracture may include:
- Sudden pain
- Swelling
- Skin redness in the injured area
- Warmth
- Bruising
- Difficulty using or moving the injured area or nearby joints
- Obvious deformity
If the spine is injured, this is a medical emergency. Call 911 if you suspect someone has fractured a bone in the spine. Symptoms of a closed spinal fracture may include the above and/or:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Bladder or bowel problems
What Causes a Closed Fracture?
Closed fractures occur usually when excess force is put on the bone. A twisting, jarring, or bending motion to bones can result in fractures.
Causes of closed fractures may include:
- Falling
- Trauma
- A direct blow or kick to the body
- Overuse or repetitive motions which tire muscles can put more pressure on the bone and cause a stress fracture
- Diseases that weaken the bone
- Osteoporosis
- Cancer in the bones
How Is a Closed Fracture Diagnosed?
A closed fracture is diagnosed with a patient history which will include questions about how the injury occurred and a physical examination.
Tests used to diagnose the location and extent of a fracture may include:
- X-ray
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
What Is the Treatment for a Closed Fracture?
Treatment for a closed fracture involves:
- Putting the bone back in place and keeping it from moving
- Pain management
- Time for the bone to heal
- Preventing complications
- Restoring normal function
Treatment for a closed fracture may include:
- Splint or cast
- immobilizes the injured area
- aligns the bones
- protects the area while the bone heals
- Pain medication
- Traction
- Use of pulleys, strings, weights, and a metal frame attached over or on the bed to create a steady pulling action to stretch parts of the body in a certain direction
- The purpose is to stretch muscles and tendons around the broken bone so the bone ends align and heal
- Surgery
- May be needed in some cases
- Internal fixation: metal rods or pins placed inside the bone
- External fixation devices: metal rods or pins used outside of the body
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https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/fractures