There is no difference between a bone fracture vs. a break; they mean the same thing.
These features can direct the appropriate course of treatment and predict how long the fracture will take to heal.
Types of Bone Fractures
Bone fractures can range in severity from mild to permanently debilitating.
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As part of the workup, the healthcare provider will first assess whether a fracture is closed or open.
By definition:
A bone fracture can also be described by the position of the broken ends.
This is referred to as displacement or non-displacement.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
In total, there are 206 bones in the adult body.
As this may not be visible to the naked eye, an X-ray may be needed.
Leaving a fracture untreated can cause far more serious problems in later life.
X-rays are usually sufficient for uncomplicated fractures.
Treatment of a fracture can involve:
How Long Does It Take a Bone to Heal?
Children’s bones may heal faster, while older adults may take longer to heal from a fracture.
Examples include putting on shin guards when you play soccer and wearing a helmet when biking or horseback riding.
Summary
A broken bone and a fracture are the same; the words are just used interchangeably.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Fractures (broken bones).
Palmer W, Bancroft L, Bonar F, et al.Glossary of terms for musculoskeletal radiology.Skeletal Radiol.
