What is a common sign indicating a fracture?

A common sign indicating a fracture is the presence of deformity or an abnormal angle of the limb. When a bone breaks, it can often disrupt the normal alignment of the limb, leading to visible changes such as angulation, shortening, or abnormal positioning. This is particularly evident in long bones where the fracture can create a noticeable bend or twist in the limb, making it clear that something is wrong.

Other signs of a fracture, such as swelling, loss of sensation, and color change in the skin, can occur, but they are not as definitive as deformity. Swelling can be caused by soft tissue injury or inflammation, loss of sensation may indicate nerve involvement, and color changes could suggest circulation issues, but these signs are not exclusive to fractures and can occur in various other conditions as well. The clear, visible deformity specifically points to a fracture, making it a key indicator.