Luumurrud

In Estonian, luumurrud refers to bone fractures—the breaks or cracks that disrupt a bone's continuity. In medical use, fractures result from insufficient bone strength due to trauma, overuse, or disease and can involve any bone at any age.

Causes and risk factors: Falls, vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and heavy lifting are common triggers. Weaker bones from osteoporosis, cancer with bone involvement, certain medications, age-related fragility, or repeated stress can lead to fractures even with modest trauma.

Classification: Fractures are described as open (skin broken) or closed; displaced (misaligned) or non-displaced; complete or incomplete; and by fragment pattern (transverse, oblique, spiral, comminuted). In children, greenstick and growth-plate injuries require special attention.

Symptoms and diagnosis: Pain, swelling, deformity, tenderness, and inability to use the affected limb are typical. Diagnosis relies on history, examination, and imaging—usually X-ray, with CT or MRI for complex cases or joint involvement.

Treatment: Goals are alignment and stabilization. Non-displaced fractures may heal with immobilization in a cast or brace. Displaced fractures often require reduction; many need surgical fixation with plates, screws, or nails. Open fractures require wound care and antibiotics; tetanus prophylaxis may be considered.

Prognosis and prevention: Healing time varies by age, bone, and health. Complications can include nonunion, malunion, infection, and stiffness. Prevention focuses on bone health (nutrition, exercise), fall prevention, and protective equipment when risk of trauma is high.