fracture
A break in a bone, usually the result of an instantaneous application of excessive force, relatively common in contact sports. There are several different types of fracture but they fall into two main categories: simple fractures, in which the bone breaks cleanly but does not penetrate the skin; and compound fractures, in which the bone does not break cleanly, often shattering with the broken ends protruding through the skin. The latter type of fracture is the more serious because it may result in severe bone infections. The gruesomely named green stick fracture occurs when a bone breaks incompletely, in much the same way as a green twig breaks. It is common in children whose bones are more flexible than those of adults. Green stick fractures are more difficult to treat than simple fractures. Suspected fractures require expert medical treatment. This usually includes taking an X-ray.
