Fracture

Breaking of a rigid portion of the body, especially of a bone. Known as simple when the bone does not pierce the skin, compound when it does; complete or incomplete according as the breaking is complete or partial; green-stick when the bone is bent or twisted without separation of the ends; impacted when one portion is driven into the other, and comminuted when the bone is shattered into several fragments. Within a few hours after a fracture has occurred the ends of the bone, if close together, are united by an exudation (callus) which is subsequently converted into true bone. In the young and strong complete union takes place in six or seven weeks. but in the old and feeble may be delayed for months or never occur; in pregnant women union is also very slow. Treatment consists in restoring the part to its normal position and retaining it there by means of splints or bandages ages made rigid by plaster of Paris, starch, glue, etc. Specially arranged beds are known as fracture beds.