A fracture is one of the most common issues seen in the orthopedic office every day. A fracture occurs when the structure of the bone cannot withstand the stress placed upon it and the structure of the bone fails or "breaks". A "cracked" or "broken" bone means the same as a fracture of the bone. The bone itself may break completely through the bone (most common) or it may simply bend (seen in children). A fracture itself is generally related to a trauma such as a fall. but it may also be related to other conditions such as osteoporosis and cancers.