Crepitus and false motion are positive indicators of a fracture.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only seen with open fractures
• D. Indicators of a severe sprain

Answer: (A)

Crepitus and false motion mean there’s a break in bone integrity. Crepitus is the crackling sensation or sound you feel or hear when the ends of a broken bone rub together or when air is trapped in the tissues around a fracture. False motion refers to abnormal movement at the fracture site when you test the limb—fragments can shift relative to one another, giving the impression of movement at the break.

These signs directly reflect disruption of bone continuity, which is what defines a fracture. They aren’t limited to open fractures; crepitus can occur with closed fractures too, and false motion indicates displacement of the fracture fragments. In contrast, a severe sprain involves ligaments and soft tissues and typically does not produce true crepitus or false motion at the fracture site.