Causes of Fractures
Complete list of fracture information
Individuals with high activity levels appear to be at greater risk for fractures. This
group includes children and athletes participating in contact sports. Because of an
increase in bone brittleness with aging, elderly persons are also included in this
high-risk population. Up to the age of 50, more men suffer from fractures than women due
to occupational hazards. However, after the age of 50, women are more prone to fractures
than men.
Diseases as Causes of Fractures
Specific diseases causing an increased risk for fractures include Paget's disease,
rickets, osteogenesis imperfecta, osteoporosis, bone cancer and tumors, and prolonged
disuse of a nonfunctional body part such as after a stroke.
Causes of Fractures - Symptoms
Symptoms of fractures usually begin with pain that increases with attempted movement or
use of the area and swelling at the involved site. The skin in the area may be pale and an
obvious deformity may be present. In more severe cases, there may be a loss of pulse below
the fracture site, such as in the extremities, accompanied by numbness, tingling, or
paralysis below the fracture. An open or compound fracture is often accompanied by
bleeding or bruising. If the lower limbs or pelvis are fractured, pain and resistance to
movement usually accompany the injury causing difficulty with weight bearing. |
