Fractures are breaks in a bone, and there are various different types. A closed fracture is when the bone doesn’t break through the skin. Open fractures, also known as compound fractures, are when the broken bone tears the skin. With incomplete fractures, the bone doesn’t break completely. However, with complete fractures, it breaks into two or more pieces.

Bandages are lengths of material that either keep a medical device like a splint or dressing in place or support, immobilise or compress a part of the body. They are used in fractures to help support the affected limb by holding a splint in place.

Possible causes for fractures include:

• Colliding with another cyclist or other vehicle
• Falling off a bike
• Crashing into a tree, building or other structure