Fracture vs Break: Spoiler Alert — They’re the Same Thing

One of the most common questions I hear in the clinic is: “Is it a fracture or just a break?” And my answer is always the same: It’s both!

Despite what TV dramas or internet myths might say, the words fracture and break mean exactly the same thing. Both refer to a disruption in the continuity of a bone. Whether it’s a small crack, a clean snap, or a bone in multiple pieces — it’s still classified as a fracture (or a break). The terms are used interchangeably by doctors, therapists, and radiologists.

So why the confusion? Often, “break” sounds more dramatic, while “fracture” sounds more medical. But rest assured, if you’ve been told you have a fracture in your hand, finger, or wrist — you do have a broken bone.

Understanding this can be helpful when discussing your injury and planning your recovery. At your hand therapy appointment, we’ll assess the type of fracture, its location, and how it's healing. Some fractures are stable and heal well with splinting and protection. Others may need surgery, and we work closely with hand surgeons and your GP to ensure the best care.

Once healing has started, therapy focuses on restoring range of motion, strength, and function. Scar management, swelling control, and graded return to activity are all part of the process.

If you've been told you have a fracture — don't panic, but don’t ignore it either. Early intervention and a clear treatment plan are essential to avoid long-term stiffness, pain, or weakness.
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So remember: whether they call it a break or a fracture, your bone just needs the right support — and that’s exactly what hand therapy is here for.

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​HOW CAN I TELL IF I HAVE A FRACTURE?

​Common signs of a broken bone are:

• bruising,
  
• swelling, pain,
  
• loss of motion and
  
• tenderness to touch.
  

However, as AMAZING as we are, your doctor or hand therapist does not have XRAY vision! ​It is impossible to know if a fracture is present without doing an Xray, or CT or MRI scan.

Occasionally your fracture may not appear on an initial Xray for a variety of reasons, so if your symptoms persist please follow up again with your health professional for further assessment
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​FRACTURE TREATMENT OF THE UPPER LIMB

​The seriousness of any broken bone and the way your health professional decides to manage it is determined by several factors:

1. the type of fracture you have,
2. whether it is in a good position and
3. whether it is likely to move position

Options for protecting and keeping your fracture still include:

• slings
• off the shelf splints
• custom thermoplastic splints
• plaster or fibreglass casting
• buddy tape
• displaced fractures may require manipulation of the bone position
• unstable fractures may require surgery to hold the broken segments in place with wires, screws or plates.

The length of immobilisation will depend on the bone involved (legs tend to take roughly double the time of arm bones), as well as the type of fracture and the age of the patient.
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Children tend to heal faster, whilst scaphoid fractures (a bone in your hand) can take an especially long time to heal if the bone’s blood flow is affected. Most upperlimb (arm) fractures will be protected / immobilised for about 6 weeks.

SO WHAT’S MY ADVISE IF YOU SUSPECT A FRACTURE?

1. Get an Xray - we do not have superpowers
2. take all finger, hand and wrist fractures seriously & see a professional who is familiar with managing these injuries such as a hand therapist
3. remember even if your Xray is negative, that only excludes a bone injury.
   

Many soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons can be damaged during trauma. They also require expert care to ensure a full and timely recovery. Your hand therapist can help you achieve the fastest recovery and can frequently diagnose your soft tissue injury without further imaging being required.
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Looking forward to helping you in your recovery 

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