What is defined as a break in a bone?

A fracture is defined as a break in a bone, which can range from a hairline crack to a complete break. It occurs due to excessive force applied to a bone, whether from a fall, a car accident, or overuse. Fractures can be classified into different types based on their characteristics, such as simple (closed) or compound (open) fractures, and can affect the healing time and treatment approach.

Lacerations, abrasions, and contusions are types of soft tissue injuries and do not involve the bone structure. A laceration refers to a cut or tear in the skin, typically caused by sharp objects. An abrasion is a scraping injury that removes the top layer of skin, often resulting from friction against a rough surface. A contusion, or bruise, is an injury that causes bleeding underneath the skin without breaking it, usually resulting from a direct blow or impact. These injuries differ significantly from a fracture, which specifically pertains to the integrity of the bone.