Fractures occur commonly, particularly in childhood. Although bones can flex to absorb the force of a blow or fall, when a force is extreme the bone may break.
The most common causes of fractures are:
- Trauma – a fall, car accident or a tackle during a football game can result in fractures
- Osteoporosis – this disorder weakens bones
- Overuse – repetitive motion can tire muscles and place more force and stress on
A bone may be completely or partially fractured. The severity of a bone fracture depends on the
type of bone, the nature and cause of its injury, as well as the person’s age and health.
Broken bones can almost always heal themselves by making new bone. However, a bone may not heal correctly if the fractured pieces are out of alignment. X-rays, MRI or CT bone scans can indicate the type and severity of a fracture and if a procedure to align the broken bone will be necessary.