Not allfractures (broken bones)are obvious. In fact, most of them are quite subtle when it comes to their appearance. You might have mild swelling or a bruise. Pain and sometimes impaired movement (usually due to pain or associated nerve damage) are the most consistent symptoms of a fracture.You mightknow that you had a fractureif you heard a bone crack or if part of your body looks like it’s bent out of shape. These fracture pictures should help illustrate the wide variety of ways broken bones can look.Non-displaced fractures, also called simple fractures, are broken bones that haven’t moved out of position. Displaced fractures are broken bones that have moved out of place.Spiral Fracture Injury: What’s Serious?

Not allfractures (broken bones)are obvious. In fact, most of them are quite subtle when it comes to their appearance. You might have mild swelling or a bruise. Pain and sometimes impaired movement (usually due to pain or associated nerve damage) are the most consistent symptoms of a fracture.

You mightknow that you had a fractureif you heard a bone crack or if part of your body looks like it’s bent out of shape. These fracture pictures should help illustrate the wide variety of ways broken bones can look.

Non-displaced fractures, also called simple fractures, are broken bones that haven’t moved out of position. Displaced fractures are broken bones that have moved out of place.

Spiral Fracture Injury: What’s Serious?

1Broken AnkleThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photoknitgirl63 / FlickrAnkle fracturesare fairly common and can cause symptoms similar to those of anankle sprain. You can have one or more bone fractures with this type of closed injury.Treatment may include surgery and/or splinting with immobilization until it heals. Eventually, physical therapy is an important part of recovery.Keeping your ankle immobilized can be difficult. Using apillow splintis a simple way to keep your ankle still without too much discomfort.Physical Therapy for a Broken Ankle

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Broken AnkleThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photoknitgirl63 / FlickrAnkle fracturesare fairly common and can cause symptoms similar to those of anankle sprain. You can have one or more bone fractures with this type of closed injury.Treatment may include surgery and/or splinting with immobilization until it heals. Eventually, physical therapy is an important part of recovery.Keeping your ankle immobilized can be difficult. Using apillow splintis a simple way to keep your ankle still without too much discomfort.Physical Therapy for a Broken Ankle

Broken Ankle

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photoknitgirl63 / Flickr

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.

The swelling, discoloration, and bruising are typical of a broken ankle.

knitgirl63 / Flickr

Ankle fracturesare fairly common and can cause symptoms similar to those of anankle sprain. You can have one or more bone fractures with this type of closed injury.

Treatment may include surgery and/or splinting with immobilization until it heals. Eventually, physical therapy is an important part of recovery.

Keeping your ankle immobilized can be difficult. Using apillow splintis a simple way to keep your ankle still without too much discomfort.

Physical Therapy for a Broken Ankle

2Broken ThumbThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoAnna HirschSometimes two sides of the body that are usually equal can look very different from each other when one side is fractured.AnX-raycan be used to identify a broken bone. In the meantime, RICE (rest, ice, elevation, and compression) could help control the pain and keep the swelling down.You have 14 finger and thumb bones in each hand (phalanges). If you break any of them, the pain can be excruciating.Broken Finger Symptoms and Treatment

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Broken ThumbThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoAnna HirschSometimes two sides of the body that are usually equal can look very different from each other when one side is fractured.AnX-raycan be used to identify a broken bone. In the meantime, RICE (rest, ice, elevation, and compression) could help control the pain and keep the swelling down.You have 14 finger and thumb bones in each hand (phalanges). If you break any of them, the pain can be excruciating.Broken Finger Symptoms and Treatment

Broken Thumb

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoAnna Hirsch

Comparing One Side to the Other Helps Illustrate Swelling

Anna Hirsch

Sometimes two sides of the body that are usually equal can look very different from each other when one side is fractured.

AnX-raycan be used to identify a broken bone. In the meantime, RICE (rest, ice, elevation, and compression) could help control the pain and keep the swelling down.

You have 14 finger and thumb bones in each hand (phalanges). If you break any of them, the pain can be excruciating.

Broken Finger Symptoms and Treatment

3Broken HandThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoRev StanThe bones in your hands work together to carry out complex and well-coordinated movements. You have eight bones in your wrist (carpals) and five bones in your hand (metacarpals).Any fracture in your hand can lead to permanent problems with hand mobility if it isn’t treated promptly.If yourhand movement is impaired, you should get medical attention right away.Broken Hand Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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Broken HandThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoRev StanThe bones in your hands work together to carry out complex and well-coordinated movements. You have eight bones in your wrist (carpals) and five bones in your hand (metacarpals).Any fracture in your hand can lead to permanent problems with hand mobility if it isn’t treated promptly.If yourhand movement is impaired, you should get medical attention right away.Broken Hand Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Broken Hand

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoRev Stan

Swelling and Bruising Makes It Hard to Use This Hand

Rev Stan

The bones in your hands work together to carry out complex and well-coordinated movements. You have eight bones in your wrist (carpals) and five bones in your hand (metacarpals).

Any fracture in your hand can lead to permanent problems with hand mobility if it isn’t treated promptly.

If yourhand movement is impaired, you should get medical attention right away.

Broken Hand Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

4Open Fracture of the FingerThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoBien StephensonAcompound fracture, also called an open fracture, is a broken bone associated with an open wound. Sometimes part of the bone can be seen protruding from the wound.A deep wound over the fracture site might also have a yellowish appearance, which is fatty tissue on the edges of the laceration.If you have an open fracture, you could be at risk of getting a bone infection. The wound must be thoroughly cleaned, and sometimes antibiotics are givento prevent an infection.Open fractures should get the same broken bone treatment as any other fracture pluscontrol of bleedingandwound dressing.

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Open Fracture of the FingerThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoBien StephensonAcompound fracture, also called an open fracture, is a broken bone associated with an open wound. Sometimes part of the bone can be seen protruding from the wound.A deep wound over the fracture site might also have a yellowish appearance, which is fatty tissue on the edges of the laceration.If you have an open fracture, you could be at risk of getting a bone infection. The wound must be thoroughly cleaned, and sometimes antibiotics are givento prevent an infection.Open fractures should get the same broken bone treatment as any other fracture pluscontrol of bleedingandwound dressing.

Open Fracture of the Finger

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoBien Stephenson

An Open Wound Over a Fracture Makes This an 'Open Fracture'

Bien Stephenson

Acompound fracture, also called an open fracture, is a broken bone associated with an open wound. Sometimes part of the bone can be seen protruding from the wound.

A deep wound over the fracture site might also have a yellowish appearance, which is fatty tissue on the edges of the laceration.

If you have an open fracture, you could be at risk of getting a bone infection. The wound must be thoroughly cleaned, and sometimes antibiotics are givento prevent an infection.

Open fractures should get the same broken bone treatment as any other fracture pluscontrol of bleedingandwound dressing.

5Sesamoid FractureThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoJason CartwrightThe sesamoid bones are two small, pea-shaped bones at the base of the big toe.Sesamoid fractures can happen as a result of several different types of trauma—likedropping something heavy on your footor jumping onto a hard surface—or they can happen over time from repeated physical pressure, such as due to work or sports.How to Treat a Broken Toe

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Sesamoid FractureThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoJason CartwrightThe sesamoid bones are two small, pea-shaped bones at the base of the big toe.Sesamoid fractures can happen as a result of several different types of trauma—likedropping something heavy on your footor jumping onto a hard surface—or they can happen over time from repeated physical pressure, such as due to work or sports.How to Treat a Broken Toe

Sesamoid Fracture

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoJason Cartwright

Sesamoid Fractures Are Subtle and Can Happen Without Obvious Injury

Jason Cartwright

The sesamoid bones are two small, pea-shaped bones at the base of the big toe.

Sesamoid fractures can happen as a result of several different types of trauma—likedropping something heavy on your footor jumping onto a hard surface—or they can happen over time from repeated physical pressure, such as due to work or sports.

How to Treat a Broken Toe

6Mallet FingerThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoJerry SutphinAmallet fingercan happen due to stretching of the tendon that pulls the finger straight. Sometimes a fracture is involved too.This type of injury is often associated with sports. Sometimes they’re called a baseball finger or a football finger.If the tendon is stretched and not torn, a mallet finger can be treated with a simple splint to keep the finger straight until the tendon heals. If the tendon is torn or the bones are broken, surgery may be required.A mallet finger can lead to permanent damage, so it’s important to see a healthcare provider if you have trouble straightening your finger after an impact.Common Types of Sports Injuries

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Mallet FingerThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoJerry SutphinAmallet fingercan happen due to stretching of the tendon that pulls the finger straight. Sometimes a fracture is involved too.This type of injury is often associated with sports. Sometimes they’re called a baseball finger or a football finger.If the tendon is stretched and not torn, a mallet finger can be treated with a simple splint to keep the finger straight until the tendon heals. If the tendon is torn or the bones are broken, surgery may be required.A mallet finger can lead to permanent damage, so it’s important to see a healthcare provider if you have trouble straightening your finger after an impact.Common Types of Sports Injuries

Mallet Finger

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoJerry Sutphin

Stretched Tendons and Broken Bones Keep Mallet Fingers Permanently Bent

Jerry Sutphin

Amallet fingercan happen due to stretching of the tendon that pulls the finger straight. Sometimes a fracture is involved too.

This type of injury is often associated with sports. Sometimes they’re called a baseball finger or a football finger.

If the tendon is stretched and not torn, a mallet finger can be treated with a simple splint to keep the finger straight until the tendon heals. If the tendon is torn or the bones are broken, surgery may be required.

A mallet finger can lead to permanent damage, so it’s important to see a healthcare provider if you have trouble straightening your finger after an impact.

Common Types of Sports Injuries

7

Colles Fracture

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoSabrina Cherry

broken wrist

Sabrina Cherry

This is one of those broken bones that usually elicits a reaction when you see it. This sort of image may even make you cringe and say, “Ouch!”

Splinting the broken wristcan relieve a lot of pain. A Colles fracture can cause damage to themedian nerve, resulting in weakness and/or sensory loss.

Physical Therapy Exercise Program After a Colles' Fracture

Be Careful With IceOver-icing an injury can lead to frostbite. Toavoid frostbite from icing an injury:Do not apply ice for more than 15 or 20 minutes at a time.Don’t put ice directly on your skin. Use a cloth barrier in between.Allow your skin to warm up again before putting the ice back on.

Be Careful With Ice

Over-icing an injury can lead to frostbite. Toavoid frostbite from icing an injury:Do not apply ice for more than 15 or 20 minutes at a time.Don’t put ice directly on your skin. Use a cloth barrier in between.Allow your skin to warm up again before putting the ice back on.

Over-icing an injury can lead to frostbite. Toavoid frostbite from icing an injury:

Frequently Asked QuestionsDisplaced bone fractures involve the broken bone being moved out of place, while simple, non-displaced fractures result in the fractured bone remaining in its correct place. Displaced fractures often require medical or surgical repositioning of the bone for proper healing.A compound fracture is an open fracture that is associated with broken skin, whereas aclosed fractureis not associated with any skin wound. Sometimes the bone or other structures protrude from the open wound. Infection precautions, including cleaning the wound and antibiotics, are often necessary with a compound fracture.Also known as a hairline fracture,a stress fracture occurs due to repeated pressure or pounding on a bone. These fractures are associated with repetitive movements; for example, stress fractures have been known to occur in the feet from running and jumping on concrete surfaces. Wearing properly-fitted and cushioned foot gear can help prevent a stress fracture in the feet.Learn MoreStress Fracture OverviewIn many cases, a bone fracture can take at least six to 12 weeks to heal. Children who experience a bone fracture often heal faster than adults. It is very important to keep the affected area as still as possible since movement can affect healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Displaced bone fractures involve the broken bone being moved out of place, while simple, non-displaced fractures result in the fractured bone remaining in its correct place. Displaced fractures often require medical or surgical repositioning of the bone for proper healing.

A compound fracture is an open fracture that is associated with broken skin, whereas aclosed fractureis not associated with any skin wound. Sometimes the bone or other structures protrude from the open wound. Infection precautions, including cleaning the wound and antibiotics, are often necessary with a compound fracture.

Also known as a hairline fracture,a stress fracture occurs due to repeated pressure or pounding on a bone. These fractures are associated with repetitive movements; for example, stress fractures have been known to occur in the feet from running and jumping on concrete surfaces. Wearing properly-fitted and cushioned foot gear can help prevent a stress fracture in the feet.Learn MoreStress Fracture Overview

Also known as a hairline fracture,a stress fracture occurs due to repeated pressure or pounding on a bone. These fractures are associated with repetitive movements; for example, stress fractures have been known to occur in the feet from running and jumping on concrete surfaces. Wearing properly-fitted and cushioned foot gear can help prevent a stress fracture in the feet.

Learn MoreStress Fracture Overview

In many cases, a bone fracture can take at least six to 12 weeks to heal. Children who experience a bone fracture often heal faster than adults. It is very important to keep the affected area as still as possible since movement can affect healing.

5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Chan JJ, Geller JS, Chen KK, et al.Epidemiology of severe foot injuries in US collegiate athletes.Orthop J Sports Med. 2021 Apr 23;9(4):23259671211001131. doi:10.1177/23259671211001131Ozgozen L, Uluyardimci E.A novel hook wire tension technique for the treatment of mallet fractures: A comparison with the extension block pinning technique.J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg.2021 Mar 28:S1748-6815(21)00117-0. doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2021.03.027Aliuskevicius M, Østgaard SE, Vestergaard P, Rasmussen S.The influence of ibuprofen on the healing of nonsurgically treated Colles' fractures.Orthopedics.2021 Mar-Apr;44(2):105-110. doi:10.3928/01477447-20201216-04Johns Hopkins Medicine.Kneecap Fractures (Patella Fractures).American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.Bone Healing.

5 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Chan JJ, Geller JS, Chen KK, et al.Epidemiology of severe foot injuries in US collegiate athletes.Orthop J Sports Med. 2021 Apr 23;9(4):23259671211001131. doi:10.1177/23259671211001131Ozgozen L, Uluyardimci E.A novel hook wire tension technique for the treatment of mallet fractures: A comparison with the extension block pinning technique.J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg.2021 Mar 28:S1748-6815(21)00117-0. doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2021.03.027Aliuskevicius M, Østgaard SE, Vestergaard P, Rasmussen S.The influence of ibuprofen on the healing of nonsurgically treated Colles' fractures.Orthopedics.2021 Mar-Apr;44(2):105-110. doi:10.3928/01477447-20201216-04Johns Hopkins Medicine.Kneecap Fractures (Patella Fractures).American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.Bone Healing.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Chan JJ, Geller JS, Chen KK, et al.Epidemiology of severe foot injuries in US collegiate athletes.Orthop J Sports Med. 2021 Apr 23;9(4):23259671211001131. doi:10.1177/23259671211001131Ozgozen L, Uluyardimci E.A novel hook wire tension technique for the treatment of mallet fractures: A comparison with the extension block pinning technique.J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg.2021 Mar 28:S1748-6815(21)00117-0. doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2021.03.027Aliuskevicius M, Østgaard SE, Vestergaard P, Rasmussen S.The influence of ibuprofen on the healing of nonsurgically treated Colles' fractures.Orthopedics.2021 Mar-Apr;44(2):105-110. doi:10.3928/01477447-20201216-04Johns Hopkins Medicine.Kneecap Fractures (Patella Fractures).American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.Bone Healing.

Chan JJ, Geller JS, Chen KK, et al.Epidemiology of severe foot injuries in US collegiate athletes.Orthop J Sports Med. 2021 Apr 23;9(4):23259671211001131. doi:10.1177/23259671211001131

Ozgozen L, Uluyardimci E.A novel hook wire tension technique for the treatment of mallet fractures: A comparison with the extension block pinning technique.J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg.2021 Mar 28:S1748-6815(21)00117-0. doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2021.03.027

Aliuskevicius M, Østgaard SE, Vestergaard P, Rasmussen S.The influence of ibuprofen on the healing of nonsurgically treated Colles' fractures.Orthopedics.2021 Mar-Apr;44(2):105-110. doi:10.3928/01477447-20201216-04

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Kneecap Fractures (Patella Fractures).

American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.Bone Healing.

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