Orthopaedic trauma typically involves bone fractures. A fracture is, quite simply, a break in the bone. When a bone is fractured it may be "closed" (simple) and contained within the body. Conversely, the fracture may be "open" (compound) identified by a break in the skin. These "open" fractures are often more dangerous because they leave the skin and bone open for infection.

Other types of fractures include:

Transverse Fracture: This type of fracture is at right angles to the long axis of the bone.

Greenstick Fracture: A fracture on one side of the bone, causing a bend on the injured side of the bone.

Comminuted Fracture: A fracture that results in three or more bone fragments.

What are the leading causes of fractures?

Fractures are typically caused by traumatic injuries, most frequently by:

• Falling—most common in the elderly loosing balance or children playground accidents.
• Overuse injuries such as the constant pounding on pavement of a runner.
• Osteoporosis which most often occurs in the elderly and is the thinning of their bones.
• Forced impact, trauma from violent contact in football or in a motor vehicle accident.