What defines a fracture?

A fracture is specifically defined as a disruption in the continuity of bone. This means that the bone has been broken, which can occur in various forms such as complete breaks, partial breaks, or hairline fractures. Understanding this definition is crucial in fields such as sports medicine and physical rehabilitation, where identifying the nature of an injury directly informs treatment strategies and recovery timelines.

In contrast to muscle injuries or contractions, which are described in the other answer choices, a fracture pertains solely to the structural integrity of the bone. Recognizing the distinction between fractures and other types of injuries—like muscle tears, compression of muscle tissue, or involuntary muscle contractions—is important for accurate diagnosis and implementation of appropriate interventions.