The humerus is the long bone of the upper arm that connects the shoulder to the elbow. Fractures of the humerus can occur in three main areas:

• Proximal humerus – near the shoulder
• Humeral shaft – the middle portion of the arm bone
• Distal humerus – near the elbow joint

These injuries commonly occur from falls, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, or direct trauma to the arm. Treatment depends on the location of the fracture, bone alignment, patient age, and activity level.

A distal humerus fracture occurs at the bottom of the arm bone near the elbow joint. Because the elbow joint surface is involved, these fractures require careful evaluation to restore normal joint motion.

Common causes include:

• Falls onto the elbow
• Sports injuries
• High-energy trauma such as motor vehicle accidents

A forearm fracture occurs when one or both of the bones in the forearm — the radius and ulna — break. These bones work together to allow rotation of the forearm, enabling movements such as turning the palm up or down.

Forearm fractures may occur due to:

• Falls onto an outstretched hand
• Sports injuries
• Direct trauma to the arm
• Motor vehicle accidents

A radius fracture is a break in the radius, the larger of the two forearm bones located on the thumb side of the arm. The radius plays an important role in wrist movement and forearm rotation.

Radius fractures can occur in different areas of the bone and are commonly caused by:

• Falls onto an outstretched hand
• Sports injuries
• Workplace accidents
• Direct trauma to the arm

A distal radius fracture is one of the most common orthopedic injuries and occurs when the radius breaks near the wrist joint.

This injury is often referred to as a broken wrist and commonly occurs when someone falls onto an outstretched hand.

Distal radius fractures are especially common in:

• Older adults with osteoporosis
• Athletes and active individuals
• People who experience falls or accidents

A pelvis fracture occurs when one or more of the bones forming the pelvic ring break. The pelvis is made up of several bones including the ilium, ischium, and pubis, which form a ring structure.

Pelvic fractures may occur from:

• Falls, especially in older adults
• Motor vehicle accidents
• High-impact sports injuries
• Direct trauma to the hip or pelvis

An acetabular fracture is a break in the acetabulum, the socket portion of the hip joint where the femoral head (top of the thigh bone) fits.

Because the acetabulum forms the hip joint, these fractures can significantly affect hip stability and movement.

Acetabular fractures are most often caused by:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• High-energy trauma
• Falls from height
• Sports injuries

The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the sacrum (base of the spine) to the pelvic bones. Injuries to this area can involve fractures of the sacrum or disruptions of the sacroiliac joint.

Sacroiliac fractures often occur with pelvic trauma and may result from:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Falls from height
• High-energy injuries
• Severe sports trauma

A hip fracture is a break in the upper portion of the femur (thigh bone) near the hip joint. These fractures most commonly occur in older adults after a fall, particularly in patients with osteoporosis.

Hip fractures typically occur in two main areas:

• Femoral neck fractures
• Intertrochanteric fractures

A femur fracture is a break in the thigh bone, the longest and strongest bone in the body. Because significant force is usually required to break the femur, these fractures often occur after:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Falls from height
• Sports injuries
• High-impact trauma

A distal femur fracture occurs near the lower end of the femur above the knee joint. These fractures can affect the knee joint and may disrupt the ability to bear weight or bend the knee.

Distal femur fractures may occur due to:

• High-energy trauma such as car accidents
• Falls in older adults
• Sports injuries

A patella fracture is a break in the kneecap, the small bone located in front of the knee joint. The patella plays an important role in knee extension and leg strength.

Patella fractures commonly occur from:

• Direct blows to the knee
• Falls onto the knee
• Motor vehicle accidents

A tibial plateau fracture occurs at the top of the tibia (shinbone) where it forms the lower portion of the knee joint.

Because this fracture involves the knee joint surface, proper treatment is important to prevent long-term joint problems.

Common causes include:

• Falls
• Sports injuries
• Motor vehicle accidents

A pilon fracture is a break in the distal tibia near the ankle joint. These injuries often occur from high-energy trauma, such as falls from height or motor vehicle accidents.

Pilon fractures involve the weight-bearing surface of the ankle joint, making accurate treatment essential.

A fibular fracture is a break in the fibula, the smaller bone located on the outside of the lower leg. The fibula helps stabilize the ankle and supports muscles and ligaments that control foot movement.

Fibular fractures often occur due to:

• Twisting ankle injuries
• Falls
• Sports injuries
• Direct trauma to the lower leg

An ankle fracture occurs when one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint break. These bones include the tibia, fibula, and talus.

Ankle fractures commonly occur due to:

• Twisting injuries
• Falls
• Sports injuries
• Motor vehicle accidents

A pilon fracture is a break in the distal tibia near the ankle joint. These fractures often occur from high-energy injuries, such as falls from height or motor vehicle accidents.

Because the fracture involves the weight-bearing surface of the ankle joint, proper treatment is critical.

Calcaneus fracture is a break in the heel bone, the largest bone in the foot. These fractures commonly occur after high-energy trauma, such as falls from height or car accidents.

A Lisfranc fracture is an injury involving the midfoot joints and ligaments, where the forefoot connects to the midfoot. These injuries can involve fractures of the bones or disruption of the ligaments that stabilize the midfoot.

Lisfranc injuries often occur from:

• Twisting injuries during sports
• Falls
• Motor vehicle accidents

The navicular bone is located in the midfoot and plays an important role in maintaining the arch of the foot.

Navicular fractures may occur from:

• Stress injuries in athletes
• Falls or direct trauma
• High-impact sports

A talus fracture is a break in the talus bone, which connects the foot to the ankle and helps transfer weight from the leg to the foot.

These fractures usually occur after high-energy injuries, including falls from height or motor vehicle accidents.