Is there a difference between a break and a...

[Mike]

...fractured bone? I think it's the same but we forgot to ask the doctor. X rays were taken for a fracture of the hand but we were told that we need to see the ortho Doc. how come they didn't at least wrap the hand to imobilize it?

[Paulie]

A break and a fracture are basically the same thing although breaks are the more severe form. As to why they did not immobilize the affected area I am not sure. Possibly you will need surgery and they will put it in the right place and then it will be put it into a cast until the bone has completely healed. Good luck and I hope this helps.

[gazeygoo]

A fractured bone is a fracture bone, the term break means nothing but a lay term for fracture. The type of fracture is critical, open, comminuted, greenstick, spiral, compound to name a few.

[LynSchwartz]

Fracture and a break are the same thing. They are sending her to the Orthopedic doctor to more than likely get a permanent cast. I do not understand why they wouldnt wrap it.... My opinion to you would be to take a towel or something that will wrap around the area and tape it together to make it stay that way until you get seen by the ortho doctor. it will offer protection and cause it to be stable. if it is bother you take an anti inflammatory. i hope you feel better! and good luck

[livitup11]

A fracture is a type of break- one on the less serious side. Usually it means the breakage in the bone is only a 'crack' or the parts of the bone that broke apart are still mostly in line. Some more serious types of breaks are greenstick and compound (the second being a break where the bone pierces the skin- ouch!)SO... basically if someone says they "broke a bone" it could be as basic as a fracture or as nasty as so many marbles in a tube sock.