Bone fracture

Updated: 2024-01-19

Overview

A bone fracture is a complete or partial break in a bone. Causes include trauma, overuse and diseases that weaken bones.

Symptoms

Symptoms include a limb or joint that looks out of shape, or a bone that has poked through the skin. If the broken bone is an arm or a leg, the toe or finger may become numb or change color at the tip.

Treatments

Treatment often involves resetting the bone in place and putting it in a cast to allow it time to heal. Sometimes, surgery or metal rods may be needed to reset the bone.