Bone fracture abbreviated frx or Fx, Fx, or #

OTA/AO classification[edit]

Main article: Müller AO Classification of fractures

The Orthopaedic Trauma Association Committee for Coding and Classification published its classification system ^[15] in 1996, adopting a similar system to the 1987 AO Foundation system.^[16] In 2007, they extended their system,^[17] unifying the two systems regarding wrist, hand, foot, and ankle fractures.

Classifications named after people[edit]

Main category: Orthopedic classifications

A number of classifications are named after the person (eponymous) who developed it.

• 
  "Denis classification" for spinal fractures ^[18]
  
• 
  "Frykman classification" for forearm fractures (fractures of radius and ulna)
  
• 
  "Gustilo open fracture classification" ^[19]
  
• 
  "Letournel and Judet Classification" for Acetabular fractures ^[20]
  
• 
  "Neer classification" for humerus fractures ^[21][22]
  
• 
  Seinsheimer classification, Evans-Jensen classification, Pipkin classification, and Garden classification for hip fractures
  

Prevention[edit]

Both high- and low-force trauma can cause bone fracture injuries.^[23][24] Preventive efforts to reduce motor vehicle crashes, the most common cause of high-force trauma, include reducing distractions while driving.^[25] Common distractions are driving under the influence and texting or calling while driving, both of which lead to an approximate 6-fold increase in crashes.^[25] Wearing a seatbelt can also reduce the likelihood of injury in a collision.^[25]

A common cause of low-force trauma is an at-home fall.^[23][24] When considering preventative efforts, the National Institute of Health (NIH) examines ways to reduce the likelihood of falling, the force of the fall, and bone fragility.^[26] To prevent at-home falls they suggest keeping cords out of high-traffic areas where someone could trip, installing handrails and keeping stairways well-lit, and installing an assistive bar near the bathtub in the washroom for support.^[26] To reduce the impact of a fall the NIH recommends to try falling straight down on your buttocks or onto your hands.^[26] Finally, taking calcium vitamin D supplements can help strengthen your bones.^[26]

Proximal femur nail with locking and stabilisation screws for treatment of femur fractures of left thigh

Treatment of bone fractures are broadly classified as surgical or conservative, the latter basically referring to any non-surgical procedure, such as pain management, immobilization or other non-surgical stabilization. A similar classification is open versus closed treatment, in which open treatment refers to any treatment in which the fracture site is opened surgically, regardless of whether the fracture is an open or closed fracture.