Indications of a Broken Bone

Dr. Kenneth “Ken” Mwatha serves as an attending physician in an emergency department located in Baltimore, Maryland. There, Dr. Ken Mwatha performs patient evaluations and manages the care of patients with various degrees of injury or illness, ranging from acute life threats to broken bones.

Often, a broken bone is easy to identify. Some patients notice it right away if the break itself causes an audible snapping or grinding sound. If the fracture is severe enough, the limb can appear misshapen and may even result in the bone itself protruding from the skin. 

A broken bone may also lose the ability to support weight or function properly, a sign that is particularly noticeable if the bone is in the arm or leg. If the break is less severe, however, the patient may be able to use the broken limb. These patients may notice a feeling or sound of grinding, which is indicative of loose pieces of bone under the skin and indicates that a fracture may be present.

Less severe breaks are also likely to show themselves through large areas of bruising and swelling. These symptoms occur when blood leaks from the fractured bone and indicate the need for a medical evaluation, ideally at a care center with x-ray capabilities.