Understanding the Difference Between a Fracture and a Broken Bone

When you hear someone say they’ve fractured a bone, you might assume it’s less serious than a break. But in reality, the two terms mean the same thing: a fracture is a broken bone.

Medical professionals typically use the word “fracture,” while the term “broken bone” is more common in everyday language. Regardless of which term is used, both refer to an injury affecting the structure of your bone and require proper diagnosis and treatment to heal correctly.

At Full Orthopedics Urgent Care, we see and treat all types of fractures, from minor hairline cracks to complex breaks. We specialize in same-day urgent care in North Miami Beach, Florida, and have on-site X-rays to diagnose and treat your injury quickly. 

Here’s what you should know about the different types of broken bones and what to do if you break one.

Types of fractures you should know about

While there’s not a difference between a fracture and a broken bone, that doesn’t mean all fractures are the same. Fractures range in severity like any other injury. A few of the most common are:

• Simple (closed) fractures, where your bone is broken but doesn’t pierce your skin
• Compound (open) fractures, where your bone breaks through your skin
• Hairline cracks or stress fractures, which are thin cracks in your bone, often caused by repetitive stress
• Comminuted fractures, where your bone shatters into multiple pieces
• Greenstick fractures, which are partial breaks that are more common in children because of softer bones

Understanding the type of fracture you have is essential for choosing the right treatment, and our orthopedic specialists are here to help you get the answers you need quickly.

What to do if you think you have a broken bone

If you have pain, swelling, bruising, or loss of function after an injury, don’t wait to see if your symptoms will go away on their own. Seeking prompt medical care is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis and start healing, and our team at Full Orthopedics Urgent Care is experienced in handling fractures of all kinds. 

Our first step is a physical exam followed by X-rays taken in our office. Having in-house imaging allows us to confirm your diagnosis immediately, reducing delays in your care. We may recommend additional imaging like an MRI or CT scan, but for most fractures, X-rays provide the necessary information to begin treatment right away.

Treatment for broken bones

The right treatment depends on the type and severity of your break, and we develop a treatment plan for you following your diagnosis. Many fractures can be managed without surgery with casting, splinting, or bracing, all of which are available on-site. These devices keep your bone properly aligned while it heals and help prevent further injury.

Surgical intervention might be needed for more severe or unstable fractures, and our team can guide you through the next steps. Surgery for fractures repositions your bones or stabilizes them with metal hardware.

Recovering from a broken bone

Recovery time varies depending on the location and complexity of your fracture, age, and overall health. You may need physical therapy to regain strength and mobility, especially if your injury affects a joint. Our team supports you through every stage of healing, from casting to follow-up imaging and rehab.

Whether you call it a fracture or a broken bone, the most important thing is getting fast, accurate treatment. At Full Orthopedics Urgent Care, we offer same-day care, walk-in appointments, on-site imaging, and expert orthopedic providers all under one roof. 

Come in today and get the care you need to heal right the first time.