Final answer:
A bone fracture, which is a discontinuity of the bone, can result from various types of stress and lead to several types of breaks. An open fracture particularly carries a high risk of infection. The healing process involves osteoblasts repairing the break site, and dietary calcium is essential for maintaining bone strength to prevent such injuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a bone is broken into two or more pieces, it is referred to as a bone fracture. This condition represents a discontinuity in the bone, resulting from various types of stress or impact. Types of fractures include those that occur straight across the long axis of the bone, those that happen at an angle that is not 90 degrees and instances where bone segments are pulled apart due to a twisting motion. Some fractures result in many small pieces between two large segments, and some involve one fragment being driven into another as a result of compression. Specifically an open fracture occurs when at least one end of the broken bone tears through the skin, leading to a higher risk of infection. After a fracture, blood vessels in the broken bone tear, leading to the formation of a hematoma.
The healing process of fractures involves the replacement of internal and external calli by new bone, as osteoblasts lead the repair. Factors such as low levels of calcium in the diet can contribute to bone fragility increasing the risk of fractures.