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
QUESTION
What is another medical term for osteoporosis? See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
From 
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Image source: iStock Images
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/fractures