Schematic diagram of an avulsion fracture

Avulsion fracture off lunate bone

An avulsion fracture is a bone fracture which occurs when a fragment of bone tears away from the main mass of bone as a result of physical trauma. A bone fracture (sometimes abbreviated # or Fx or Fx) is a medical condition in which a Bone is cracked or broken Treatment of physical trauma is described here and in First aid. This can occur at the ligament due to the application forces external to the body (such as a fall or pull) or at the tendon due to a muscular contraction that is stronger than the forces holding the bone together. In Anatomy, the term ligament is used to denote three different types of structures Fibrous tissue that connects Bones to other bones A tendon (or sinew) is a tough band of Fibrous connective tissue that usually connects Muscle to Bone and is capable of withstanding tension Generally muscular avulsion is prevented due to the neurological limitations placed on muscle contractions. A muscles contraction (also known as a muscle twitch or simply twitch) occurs when a Muscle fibre generates tension through the action of Actin Highly trained athletes can overcome this neurological inhibition of strength and produce a much greater force output capable of breaking or avulsing a bone.

If the fracture is small, it is usually sufficient to treat with rest and support bandage, but in more severe cases surgery may be required. A splint is a medical device for the immobilization of limbs or of the spine. Surgery (from the χειρουργική cheirourgikē, via chirurgiae meaning "hand work" is a medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental Ice may be used to relieve swelling.

See also

• Segond fracture