Types of Fractures

Not every fracture is the same. Here are a few of the more common types we see in our office:

Stress Fractures are not the clean snap many think of first when they hear the term “fracture.” Instead, these are cracks that appear along the surface of a bone. Stress fractures tend to occur when a bone has been weakened through overuse and has not had time to recover. Those who engage in high-impact sports on the feet, such as running, dancing, and soccer, are at a higher risk of stress fractures.

An Ankle Fracture is self-explanatory. While they are common in youth sports, they have also become more common in the active and older Baby Boomer generation. Ankle fractures that don’t heal properly can lead to increased risks of ankle instability, arthritis, and further ankle fractures over time, so treating them carefully is very important.

Toe Fractures often result from a direct blow, such as a heavy object dropped on the forefoot or running into a table leg. They can also result from overuse in sports such as running and basketball.

Metatarsal Fractures are breaks in the bones at the base of your toes, in your forefoot. The fifth metatarsal, on the outer edge of your foot, is most commonly fractured. This can happen due to a direct blow, but also due to twisting and excess pulling on the bone from its attached tendon.

Salter-Harris Fractures occur in the growth plate. There are 5-types of Salter-Harris Fractures and they vary in severity, from mild to significant. The growth plate is the tissue near the end of a child’s bone. It allows the bone to enlarge over time as the child grows. It is important to diagnose and treat these as they can affect a child’s growth. Even milder cases can prevent a child from playing sports or walking without pain.