What are common clinical signs of a bone fracture?

• A. Pain only.
• B. Swelling and deformity.
• C. Tenderness and loss of function.
• D. Pain, swelling, deformity, tenderness, loss of function, crepitus, and abnormal movement.

Answer: (D)

The signs of a fracture reflect how bone and surrounding tissues respond to injury, so you usually see a combination of symptoms rather than just one. Pain is immediate and often severe because nerves near the fracture are irritated and the bone itself is damaged. Swelling comes from inflammation and bleeding into the soft tissues around the break. Deformity can be visible when the bone ends are displaced. Tenderness occurs when the area is palpated because of damaged bone and periosteum. Loss of function happens because movement is painful and the limb’s structure is disrupted. Crepitus is the crackling sensation or sound from bone ends rubbing together or moving irregularly. Abnormal movement may be felt if the bone ends aren’t aligned and the limb feels unstable. Taken together, these signs provide a complete clinical picture of a fracture, which is why the option listing all of them is the best answer.