 As
living tissue, bones are constantly regenerating, forming
new bone cells when old cells die off, or when disease or
injury strikes. The soft marrow inside bone produces red and
white blood cells and clot-forming platelets, as well as a
host of minerals, most notably, calcium, which is responsible
for bone's hardness. On the outside, bone is composed of an
interwoven fabric of proteins, minerals including calcium
and phosphorus, and tough collagen fibers, rendering it one
of the strongest materials in nature, able to bear large amounts
of weight.
A bone fracture, or break, occurs when the force applied
against the bone is stronger than the bone. Joints are especially
vulnerable to fractures because the bones that make up the
joint are held together by soft tissues - muscles, ligaments
and tendons. Ankle and wrist fractures are common injuries
that most often result from a traumatic injury.
When an injury occurs that you suspect might be a fracture,
it is important to seek appropriate medical care as soon
as possible. The injury may simply require casting and possibly
a short period of rehabilitation, or if the injury is more
serious, it may require surgery.
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