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Broken bone

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Bone - broken; Fracture; Stress fracture

Prevention:

• Wear protective gear while skiing, biking, roller blading, and participating in contact sports. This includes helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, and shin pads.
• Create a safe home for young children. Gate stairways and keep windows closed.
• Teach children how to be safe and look out for themselves.
• Supervise children carefully. There is no substitute for supervision, no matter how safe the environment or situation appears to be.
• Prevent falls by not standing on chairs, counter tops, or other unstable objects. Remove throw rugs and electrical cords from floor surfaces. Use handrails on staircases and non-skid mats in bathtubs. These steps are especially important for the elderly.

References:

Browner, BD. Skeletal Trauma: Basic Science, Management, and Reconstruction . 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2003.

• Review Date: 5/7/2007
• Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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