Does fractured mean broken?

Fractured vs Broken

A fracture is a broken bone, the same as a crack or a break. A bone may be completely fractured or partially fractured in any number of ways (crosswise, lengthwise, in multiple pieces).

Some people assume that fractured bones are more serious than broken bones, while others assume it’s the other way around. But the truth is that these terms are used interchangeably, and they have the same meaning to medical professionals.

Most fractures heal in 6-8 weeks, but this varies tremendously from bone to bone and in each person based on many of the factors discussed above. Hand and wrist fractures often heal in 4-6 weeks whereas a tibia fracture may take 20 weeks or more.

If more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will split or break. A break of any size is called a fracture. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open fracture (compound fracture).

Technically speaking, the answer to the question “can broken bones heal without a cast” is yes. Assuming conditions are just right, a broken bone can heal without a cast. However, (and very importantly) it doesn’t work in all cases. Likewise, a broken bone left to heal without a cast may heal improperly.

While a large number of fractures may heal with casting or other types of immobilization, many other fractures will require surgery. Bone fracture surgical repair is performed when a broken bone can’t heal properly with casting, splinting, or bracing alone.

Technically speaking, the answer to the question “can broken bones heal without a cast” is yes. Assuming conditions are just right, a broken bone can heal without a cast. However, (and very importantly) it doesn’t work in all cases. Likewise, a broken bone left to heal without a cast may heal improperly.

For many fractures, casts still play a crucial role in the healing process. But for other injuries, orthopedists are now opting for removable modern splints and boots that offer greater comfort and flexibility.

When we break a bone, oxygen and blood flow are both extremely important for helping the fracture heal. So when we exercise, our blood vessels enlarge, allowing more oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors to flow to the fracture site.

Broken bones usually heal and get strong again, but not always. When broken bones don’t heal back together, it is called non-union, and that can cause a lot of problems.

A fracture refers to an injury or break to the bones. There are many types of fractures, ranging from small hairline fractures to traumatic bone breaks. Although minor fractures can heal on their own, more serious fractures will require surgery.

Fracture FAQ:

1. Is fractured the same as broken?
   A fracture is a broken bone, the same as a crack or a break. A bone may be completely fractured or partially fractured in any number of ways (crosswise, lengthwise, in multiple pieces).
2. Is a fracture worse than a break?
   Some people assume that fractured bones are more serious than broken bones, while others assume it’s the other way around. But the truth is that these terms are used interchangeably, and they have the same meaning to medical professionals.
3. How long does a fracture take to heal?
   Most fractures heal in 6-8 weeks, but this varies tremendously from bone to bone and in each person based on many of the factors discussed above. Hand and wrist fractures often heal in 4-6 weeks whereas a tibia fracture may take 20 weeks or more.
4. Does fracturing a bone mean you broke it?
   If more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will split or break. A break of any size is called a fracture. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open fracture (compound fracture).
5. Can fractures heal without a cast?
   Technically speaking, the answer to the question “can broken bones heal without a cast” is yes. Assuming conditions are just right, a broken bone can heal without a cast. However, (and very importantly) it doesn’t work in all cases. Likewise, a broken bone left to heal without a cast may heal improperly.
6. Does a fracture need surgery?
   While a large number of fractures may heal with casting or other types of immobilization, many other fractures will require surgery. Bone fracture surgical repair is performed when a broken bone can’t heal properly with casting, splinting, or bracing alone.
7. Can a fracture heal without a cast?
   Technically speaking, the answer to the question “can broken bones heal without a cast” is yes. Assuming conditions are just right, a broken bone can heal without a cast. However, (and very importantly) it doesn’t work in all cases. Likewise, a broken bone left to heal without a cast may heal improperly.
8. Do you need a cast for a fracture?
   For many fractures, casts still play a crucial role in the healing process. But for other injuries, orthopedists are now opting for removable modern splints and boots that offer greater comfort and flexibility.
9. Does walking help a fracture heal?
   When we break a bone, oxygen and blood flow are both extremely important for helping the fracture heal. So when we exercise, our blood vessels enlarge, allowing more oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors to flow to the fracture site.
10. Do fractures go away?
    Broken bones usually heal and get strong again, but not always. When broken bones don’t heal back together, it is called non-union, and that can cause a lot of problems.
11. Will a fracture heal on its own?
    A fracture refers to an injury or break to the bones. There are many types of fractures, ranging from small hairline fractures to traumatic bone breaks. Although minor fractures can heal on their own, more serious fractures will require surgery.