The term fracture is synonymous with the term broken bone. A fracture can occur in any bone and can have many different consequences depending on the location and complexity of the break, as well as on patient factors (such as age, other medical conditions, etc.). A fracture occurs when the structure of a bone is disrupted, or “cracked”. Bones break from the application of a load. Depending on the magnitude of the load, speed at which it is applied, and characteristics of the bone itself, different fracture types can result. In general, fractures in healthy bone that have many broken pieces are the result of injuries where a high degree of energy has been imparted to the bone, whereas lower energy injuries, in general, tend to have fewer fracture lines (i.e. fewer numbers of broken pieces). Treatment for fractures can be nonoperative (bracing, casting, etc.), or operative (plates, screws, rods, etc.).
Further information on fractures by location:
Hip fracture (proximal femur fracture)
Thigh fracture (femur shaft fracture)
Knee fracture (distal femur, patella, and tibial plateau fractures)
Shin fracture (tibial shaft fracture)
Ankle fracture (including pilon fracture)
Shoulder fracture (proximal humerus, and clavicle fractures)