Buzz
Many people assume that breaking a bone is more serious than fracturing it, or vice versa. Some even believe a fracture is simply a type of break, like a hairline crack. However, Dr. C. Noel Henley, an orthopedic surgeon from Arkansas, dispels these myths in the video below. According to him, a fracture and a break are exactly the same thing.
“There’s no difference between these two things,” he explains. “A fracture refers to the cracking or breaking of a hard object. Neither is worse than the other when it comes to bones.”
The confusion might arise because the term fracture is often used to describe certain types of breaks, such as compound fractures, oblique fractures, and comminuted fractures. However, as Henley clarifies, both break and fracture simply refer to any instance where “the normal structure of the bone has been disrupted and damaged.”
Another widespread myth surrounding broken bones is the belief that a 'clean break' is a good thing compared to other types of fractures. Dr. Henley uses the scaphoid bone in the wrist as an example, explaining that even a clean break in the 'wrong' bone can be severely problematic. In some cases, surgery may be required.
The BBC also highlights several other bone-related myths, such as the idea that you won't be able to move a body part if it's broken, or that you'll instantly feel pain if you have a fracture. In reality, some individuals can remain mobile and unaware of their injury for a while. Even if you suspect a minor sprain or something as seemingly trivial as a broken toe, it’s wise to consult a doctor—it could be more serious than you think.
