Crepitus and false motion are:

• A. Most common with dislocations.
• B. Positive indicators of a fracture.
• C. Only seen with open fractures.
• D. Indicators of a severe sprain.

Answer: (B)

Crepitus and false motion indicate disruption of bone integrity. Crepitus is the crackling or grinding sensation heard or felt when the ends of a broken bone rub against each other, while false motion is an abnormal movement at the injury site when the limb is manipulated. These signs point to a fracture because they reflect bone continuity being broken, rather than just ligament or soft-tissue injury. They can occur with both open and closed fractures and are not exclusive to dislocations or to severe sprains, since sprains involve ligaments and typically don’t produce bone-end movement or crackling at the fracture site. If you detect either sign, immobilize the limb and seek medical care.