How bones break

Fractures most often happen when more force is put on the bone than the bone can take. Bone fractures can be caused by a fall, injury, or direct hit or kick to the body. Overuse or repetitive movements can tire muscles and put more pressure on the bone. This causes stress fractures. Fractures can also be caused by diseases that weaken the bone. Depending on the injury, bones can break in different ways.

A fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. When a fracture happens, it’s classified as either closed or open.

Closed fracture

The bone does not break through the skin. Also known as a simple fracture.

Open fracture

The bone breaks through the skin. Also known as a compound fracture.

Other types of fractures

Fractures have many names. Below are some common types of fractures. You may have a fracture that’s not listed here.

Non-displaced fracture

Bone fragments (pieces) are lined up.

Displaced fracture

Bone fragments are not lined up. A gap exists between both ends of the broken bone.

Comminuted fracture

The bone is broken into 3 or more pieces.

Segmental fracture

The same bone is broken in 2 places, so there is a floating piece of bone.

Greenstick fracture

The bone bends, but it may not break all the way. This happens most often in children, whose bones are softer and still growing.

Compression fracture

The bone is crushed. This causes the broken bone to be wider or flatter in appearance.

Avulsion fracture

The bone is broken near a tendon or ligament. A tendon or ligament pulls off a small piece of bone.

Spiral fracture

The break spirals around the bone. This is common in a twisting injury.