Comminuted Fractures (for Teens)

What Is a Comminuted Fracture?

A comminuted (pronounced: kah-muh-NOOT-ed) fracture is a type of broken bone. The bone is broken into more than two pieces.

How Do Comminuted Fractures Happen?

It takes a lot of force for someone to get a comminuted fracture. A car accident or serious fall, for instance, can cause this type of fracture.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Comminuted Fracture?

Someone with a comminuted fracture will have signs of a severe broken bone like:

• severe pain
• swelling
• bruising
• deformity (the part of the body could look crooked or different than it did before the injury)

How Is a Comminuted Fracture Diagnosed?

Doctors order X-rays if they think a bone is broken. If the fracture is comminuted the X-rays will show the broken bone in more than two pieces.

How Are Comminuted Fractures Treated?

Someone who gets a comminuted fracture probably will need surgery. After surgery, the person will wear a splint or cast for a while to keep the bone from moving while it heals.