Understanding the 3 Categories of Broken Bones

Broken bones or fractures are common musculoskeletal injuries, affecting millions of Americans annually. While all fractures damage bone tissue, these injuries commonly fall into three categories. 

At North Valley Orthopedic Institute in Mission Hills and Tarzana, California, Dr. Ramin Ganjianpour has years of experience treating broken bones. Keep reading to discover the three types of broken bones and what to expect during your recovery.

What are bone fractures?

Bone fractures occur when one or more of your bones crack, snap in two, or break into multiple pieces. Most of these injuries occur due to trauma, such as a fall or car accident. But they can also result from an underlying medical condition, like osteoporosis or a calcium deficiency.

Most minor fractures can heal with noninvasive treatments, such as casting and splinting. However, severe fractures, like those that cause a bone to break into two or more pieces, often require surgery.

The three main types of broken bones

Orthopedic doctors, who specialize in treating the musculoskeletal system, recognize more than a dozen types of fractures, but they all fall into three main categories, including:

1. Closed fractures

Closed or simple fractures occur when a bone breaks but doesn’t pierce or puncture your skin. Because this type of fracture doesn’t cause a visible injury, you must look for telltale symptoms, such as bruising, pain, swelling, and/or difficulty moving the affected area. 

Closed fractures typically respond well to nonsurgical treatment. For example, Dr. Ganjianpour might manually realign the broken pieces of bone and have you wear a cast or splint to help the bone heal. 

2. Open fractures

Open or compound fractures are typically more severe than closed fractures. They occur when a broken bone punctures your skin, resulting in an open wound.

Because open fractures break the skin, they’re more likely to become infected and develop other complications. As a result, surgery is often needed.

3. Incomplete fractures

Incomplete fractures occur when a cracked bone doesn’t break all the way through or into several pieces. Examples include greenstick fractures (which commonly affect children) and hairline fractures (which cause microscopic bone damage due to repetitive stress or overuse). 

Incomplete fractures are typically minor and can often be treated with splinting and casting, similar to closed fractures.

What’s a comminuted fracture?

A comminuted fracture is a type of closed fracture that occurs when a bone breaks into two or more pieces. These fractures result from high-impact trauma and cause severe pain and visible deformity. For example, a finger bending in the wrong direction that’s impossible to move. 

Comminuted fractures often require orthopedic surgery using pins, plates, rods, and screws to hold the bone together. After the first phase of healing, you might also need physical therapy to restore your full range of motion.

Contact us if you suspect you’ve broken a bone

A broken bone is painful and can affect your range of motion and quality of life, but most fractures heal within 6-8 weeks with proper care. Call North Valley Orthopedic Institute today if you think you’ve broken a bone, or request an appointment online.