Bone Fracture: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate a fracture (broken bone):

Sure fracture signs:

• Dislocation (axial misalignment).
• Visible bone fragments (open fracture).
• Abnormal mobility
• Crepitation – crunching at the fracture site.
• Step formations in the bone contour
• Diastases (bone gaps)
• Fracture gap in the X-ray

Uncertain fracture signs:

• Dolor – pain (periosteal pain; pain originating from periosteum).
• Tumor – swelling
• Rubor – redness
• Calor – warmth
• Functio laesa – limited mobility / loss of function.
• Hematoma (fracture hematoma) – effusion of blood from the fracture.
• Accompanying injuries – e.g. nerve injury.