
Understanding Different Types of Fractured Bones
A fractured bone is when there is a break in the continuity of the bone. It may involve a crack or be completely broken. A bone may become fractured completely or partially from trauma. This can be due to:
- A fall
- A motor vehicle accident
- A range of sports activities
A fractured bone may be the result of high force impact or stress. A fractured bone may occur as a result of certain medical conditions. This is because sometimes, the bones can become weakened, such as osteoporosis. Athletes may experience overuse injuries as well.
There are many types of fractures that can happen to the bones within the body. The most common fractures include:
- Hip
- Knee
- Shoulder
Types of a Fractured Hip
The hip joint is a “ball and socket” joint. The “ball” is the head of the femur or thigh bone and the “socket” is the cup-shaped acetabulum. The joint surface is covered by a smooth articular surface. This allows pain-free movement in the joint.
Pelvis
A fractured pelvis is a condition that arises due to breakage of the pelvis bones. It can damage the following areas associated with the pelvis:
- Internal organs
- Nerves
- Blood vessels
Types of a Fractured Knee
There are many types of fractures that can happen to the knee area.
Fractures of the Proximal Tibia
The tibia or shin bone is a major bone of the leg which connects the knee to the ankle. A tibial fracture is a break in the continuity of the shin bone (tibia).
Paediatric Thighbone (Femur) Fracture
The femur or thigh bone is the largest and strongest bone in the human body. Paediatric thighbone fractures can occur when a child falls hard on the ground. It can also happen because of:
- Sports
- Automobile accidents
- In the occurrence of child abuse
In a thigh bone fracture, the broken bones may be aligned or displaced. The fracture can either be closed (with skin intact) or open (with the bone piercing out through the skin). Children suffering from this fracture may experience severe pain. They can also experience swelling, inability to stand and walk, and a limited range of motion in the hip or knee.
Shinbone Fractures
The tibia or shin bone is a major bone of the leg which connects the knee to the ankle. A tibial fracture is a break in the continuity of the shin bone (tibia).
Thighbone (Femur) Fracture
The femur or thigh bone is the longest and strongest bone in the body, connecting the hip to the knee. A femur fracture is a break in the femur. The distal femur is the lower part of the thigh bone which flares out like an upside-down funnel. A fractured distal femur may involve the cartilaginous surface of the knee. It can also result in arthritis.
Types of a Fractured Shoulder
There are many types of fractures that can happen to the shoulder.
Broken Collarbone
The collarbone is the bone that connects your sternum or breastbone to your shoulder. A clavicle fracture, also known as a broken collarbone is a very common sports injury. This is seen in people who are involved in contact sports such as:
- Football
- Martial arts
- Impact sports such as motor racing
Fracture of the Shoulder Blade (Scapula)
The scapula (shoulder blade) is a flat, triangular bone providing attachment to muscles. These muscles are of the back, neck, chest and arm. The scapula has a body, neck and spine portion.
Shoulder Trauma
Shoulder injuries occur in athletes participating in sport. This includes swimming, tennis, pitching, and weightlifting. These injuries are caused due to over-usage or repetitive motion of the arms.
The thigh bone, femur, and the pelvis, acetabulum, join to form the hip joint. The hip joint is a “ball and socket” joint. The “ball” is the head of the femur or thigh bone, and the “socket” is the cup-shaped acetabulum.
The joint surface is covered by a smooth articular surface. It allows pain-free movement in the joint.
The cartilage cushions the joint. It allows the bones to move on each other with smooth movements. This cartilage does not show up on X-RAY. Thus you can see a “joint space” between the femoral head and acetabular socket.
Orthopedic Treatment for Fractured Bones
Need an orthopedic specialist to help you with the treatment for a fractured bone? Western Orthopedics are here to help you find a solution. Check out the locations of Western Orthopedics clinics below. You can book in for a consultation today with Dr Pavitar Sunner.
Western Orthopedics Clinics
Sky City – Bella Vista
Suite 116, Level 1
20B Lexington Drive
Norwest Business Park
Bella Vista, NSW 2153
Nepean Private Specialist Centre
Suite 13B, Level 3
1A Barber Avenue
Penrith NSW 2750
Katoomba
61 Parke Street
Katoomba NSW 2780
Merrylands
21 Memorial Avenue
Merrylands, NSW 2160
Gregory Hills
7 Gregory Hills Road
Gregory Hills NSW 2557
Camden
78 John Street
Camden NSW 2570