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A bone fracture is a medical condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone. While many fractures are the result of high force impact or stress, bone fracture can also occur as a result of certain medical conditions that weaken the bones. Although broken bone and bone break are common colloquialisms for a bone fracture, break is not a formal orthopedic term.
Since bone healing is a natural process which will most often occur, fracture treatment aims to ensure the best possible function of the injured part after healing. Bone fractures are typically treated by restoring the fractured pieces of bone to their natural positions (if necessary), and maintaining those positions while the bone heals. Often, a physician will align the bone in good position and verify the improved alignment with an X-ray.
Last Updated: 7/8/2009