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Overview
What Is a Comminuted Fracture?
A comminuted (kah-muh-NOOT-ed) fracture is a type of broken bone. The bone is broken into more than two pieces.
How Do Comminuted Fractures Happen?
It takes a lot of force for someone to get a comminuted fracture. A car accident or serious fall, for instance, can cause this type of break.
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Top Things to Know
- A comminuted fracture happens when a bone breaks into more than two pieces.
- The injured area may be very painful, swollen, bruised, or appear crooked.
- Treatment often includes surgery followed by a cast or splint to protect the bone as it heals.
- The fracture is often caused by a high-impact event, like a car crash or major fall.
Signs & Symptoms
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Comminuted Fracture?
Someone with a comminuted fracture will have signs of a severe broken bone like:
- severe pain
- swelling
- bruising
- deformity (the part of the body could look crooked or different than it did before the injury)
Diagnosis
How Is a Comminuted Fracture Diagnosed?
Doctors order X-rays if they think a bone is broken. If the fracture is comminuted the X-rays will show that the broken bone is in more than two pieces.
Treatment & Care
How Are Comminuted Fractures Treated?
Someone with a comminuted fracture will probably need surgery. Then, the person will need to wear a splint or cast for a while to keep the bone from moving while it heals.
