Treating Fractures in the Field
Lesson 1: Fractures
and Related Injuries
Section II: Fractures
1-6
1-6. COMMON CAUSES OF FRACTURES
Fractures may be caused by a direct blow to the body (such as being hit by a vehicle) or by indirect force that results in a fracture away from the point of impact (such as a hip fracture resulting from a person landing on his knee after a hard fall). A fracture can also result from a limb being twisted (fracture and dislocation may result) or from powerful muscle contractions (such as may occur during a seizure). Fatigue (stress) fractures can result by repeated stress, such as a stress fracture of the foot during a long march. Certain diseases, such as cancer, can weaken bones and make them easier to break. High-energy impacts, such as being hit by a speeding vehicle or by a bullet, may produce multiple fractures and cause severe damage to surrounding tissues.
