The skeleton 

The skeleton is the foundation of the anatomy of the body in humans. As we walk upright (most of the time!), the skeleton is split into the axial skeleton, which follows a vertical alignment of the main parts, and the appendicular skeleton which is supported through the axial skeleton.

The axial skeleton includes the skull, rib cage and vertebrae, while the appendicular skeleton includes the bones that are based on them: the pectoral girdles, pelvis and limbs.

Fractures

Bone fractures can be classified according to their mechanism (cause), displacement and fracture pattern, amongst other things. Bone fractures are defined as damage to the integrity of the bone.

Based on cause, fractures are classified as traumatic fractures e.g. falls, accidents, violence; pathologic fractures e.g. as a result of a bone-weakening condition like osteoporosis; and…