What is a bone fracture?

A bone fracture refers to a broken bone, which often results from trauma such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries. However, certain medical conditions and repeated stress on the bones, like that from running, can also raise the risk of specific types of fractures.

You might require surgery to fix a broken bone. In some cases, a splint, cast, brace or sling is enough to help the bone heal. The time it takes to fully recover depends on which bone is broken, where the break is, and what has caused it.