A comminuted fracture is a type of broken bone where the bone is broken into three or more pieces. This type of fracture is usually caused by a severe trauma, such as a car accident or a fall from a great height. Comminuted fractures are very serious injuries, and they are more likely to be displaced than other types of broken bones because they always have multiple broken pieces. Depending on the location of the fracture, surrounding tissue or organs can be damaged. For instance, a comminuted fracture of one or more ribs can cause a pneumothorax (i.e., air around the lungs) if a piece of bone penetrates the pleural space of the lung.

Comminuted fractures are almost always caused by serious traumas like car accidents or falls from a high place. They are very serious in large bones, and you will often need surgery to repair your bones. Sometimes, comminuted fractures happen to smaller bones and can heal without surgery. The diagnosis of comminuted fractures is usually done through tests or scans, such as X-rays or CT scans. Treatment for comminuted fractures varies based on the severity of the injury, age, overall health, tolerance for certain treatments, and preference. However, the goal of treatment is to heal the injury, control pain, avoid issues, and repair the function of the affected area. Treatment options may include casts, braces, or a boot to keep the bone immobilized while it heals. Surgery may be necessary to put the broken bones back into place, and metal rods or pins may be used to hold the bone fragments together while they heal. Pain medication may also be prescribed. The recovery time for a comminuted fracture depends on which bones are fractured and what caused the breaks.