Fractures typically occur when a powerful force is applied to a bone, forcing it to bend and ultimately snap or snap. Nondisplaced fractures refer to the way the bone was broken. Typically, this type of fracture occurs when the bone breaks partially or completely at one point, but remains aligned. In most cases, an x-ray is needed to diagnose this type of tear, as it is usually not obvious to the naked eye.
Nondisplaced fractures are typically clean breaks to the bone. This usually occurs when the blow to the bone is quick and spread out over a larger area. As such, it is normal for the bone to only be partially broken, which means there is usually only a crack in the bone that does not go all the way through. They differ from displaced fractures because a displaced fracture usually results in a complete break and displaces the bone from its original location, sometimes so much that it protrudes out of the body.
Due to the nature of a nondisplaced fracture, a person may not be able to tell if there is an actual fracture in the bone. Usually, this type of fracture is seen only on an X-ray, but depending on how and where the fracture occurs, a computed tomography (CT) scan may be used. Before the orthopedic doctor checks for a nondisplaced fracture, a person may suspect a fracture if certain signs of a break appear. These signs usually include stiffness, tenderness, severe pain, and swelling of the area.
Since a nondisplaced fracture means that the bone remains in alignment, treating the fracture is often simpler than treating other types of breaks. Sometimes the doctor may apply temporary pain relief to the area and provide medication to help with swelling. The doctor may then apply a splint or cast to prevent any further damage while the bone heals. This largely depends on the nature of the break and where the break occurred. A nondisplaced fracture in the skull, for example, may require very little care, and a protective shell is usually unnecessary.
Some fractures carry the risk of additional damage after the break occurs. Although a nondisplaced fracture leaves the bone in its original place, it can be at risk of moving and becoming a displaced fracture sometimes weeks after the original break took place. This will allow for even more damage to the surrounding area. An orthopedic doctor will usually monitor a nondisplaced fracture to determine the likelihood of this occurring. Fractures that occur near joints can also put a person at high risk for arthritis in the affected area later in life.