What is the medical term for a break in a bone?

The medical term for a break in a bone is "fracture." A fracture occurs when there is a disruption in the integrity of the bone, which can result from trauma, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. Fractures can vary in severity from hairline cracks to complete breaks that may require medical intervention, such as casting, surgery, or other treatments.

In contrast, dislocation refers to the displacement of bones at a joint, where the normal alignment is disrupted but the bone itself may not be broken. A sprain involves the stretching or tearing of ligaments that connect bones to each other in a joint, while a strain refers to the stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. Understanding these definitions can clarify why "fracture" is the appropriate term for a break in a bone, as it specifically addresses the structural integrity of the bone itself.