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What does the word fracture mean?

• A solution of continuity in a bone, Osteoclasis. A simple fracture is when the bone only is divided. A compound frature is a division of the bone with a wound of the integuments communicating with the bone,- the bone, indeed, generally protruding. In addition to the injury done to the bone, a lesion of some considerable vessel, nervous trunk, &c. Fractures are also termed transverse, oblique, &c, according to their direction. The treatment of fractures consists, in general, in reducing the fragments when displaced; maintaining them when reduced; preventing the symptoms which may be likely to arise; and combating them when they occur. The reduction of fractures must be effected by extension, counter-extension, and coaptation. The parts are kept in apposition by position, rest, and an appropriate apparatus. The position must vary according to the kind of fracture. Commonly, the fractured limb is placed on a horizontal or slightly inclined plane, in a state of extension; or rather in a middle state between extension and flexion, according to the case.

• [ Latin] The way of breaking; the appearance indicative of the way in which anything breaks. F. is called Resinous, Vitreous, Fibrous, or Conchoidal according as the surface exposed by breaking looks like resin, or glass, or appears fibrous, or has wavy depressions and elevations like a bivalve shell.

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