Fractures occur when external forces cause the bone to break. Common causes include falls, impacts from objects, or twisting of the bone. There are different types of fractures such as greenstick, spiral, and compound fractures. Greenstick fractures involve a partial break of soft bone like a young branch. Spiral fractures occur when the bone twists, leaving a corkscrew shape. Compound fractures are the most serious as the broken bone pierces the skin, increasing risk of infection. Immediate treatment is needed to clean the wound and realign bones for compound fractures.