Definition

Fractures, sprains, and strains are injuries caused to bones, ligaments, joint capsules, or muscles. A joint capsule consists of all the tissues that hold a joint together. Specifically, a fracture is a complete or incomplete break in a bone. A sprain is damage or tearing of ligaments or a joint capsule. A strain is damage or tearing of a muscle.

Description

Fractures usually result from a strong force applied to a bone. The bone and the tissue surrounding it may break apart completely, or they may be dislocated (pushed out of position).

Fractures are classified as being simple or compound. A simple fracture is one in which the skin is not broken. The area may be bruised and swollen, but it is not possible to tell simply by looking that a bone is broken. A simple fracture is also called a...