What is an open compound fracture?
An open fracture, also called a compound fracture, is a fracture in which there is an open wound or break in the skin near the site of the broken bone. Most often, this wound is caused by a fragment of bone breaking through the skin at the moment of the injury.
What is the difference between an open and compound fracture?
A simple fracture, or closed fracture, cracks the bone but does not break the skin. A compound fracture, or open fracture, breaks the bone, and then the broken pieces of bone pierce the skin. Compound fractures are more serious than simple fractures.
What is the most common open compound fracture?
An open or compound bone fracture is a break in which the bone pierces the skin. Because this type of fracture opens the skin, exposing the wound to dirt and bacteria, it can be more complicated to treat. An open leg fracture can occur in any of the leg bones, but most commonly in the femur, tibia, or fibula.
How long does it take for an open compound fracture to heal?
But usually, it takes anywhere between 2-8 weeks. You may also have to use assistive devices, such as crutches, depending on the location of the broken bone.
Do open fractures require surgery?
Open fractures require urgent surgery to clean the area of the injury. Because of the break in the skin, debris and infection can travel to the fracture location, and lead to a high rate of infection in the bone.
Do all open fractures require surgery?
While there is variation in the exact protocol of management of an open fracture, in general, they will always require antibiotic administration and surgical cleansing. In addition, the prognosis following an open fracture depends on the severity of the soft tissue injury.
How serious is an open fracture?
An open fracture is a medical emergency that requires urgent evaluation and prompt treatment. Open fractures are serious injuries that can lead to complications like infection and delayed bone healing. Many open fractures will require urgent surgical treatment to clean out and stabilize the bone.
What type of fractures need surgery?
The more severe the fracture is, the more likely it is that surgery will be recommended. For example, an open or comminuted fracture will require surgery to ensure that the bone fully grows back together and safely supports your weight.
What is the common treatment for an open fracture?
Options for wound closure in the treatment of open fractures include primary closure of the skin, split-thickness skin-grafting, and the use of either free or local muscle flaps. The timing of open wound closure has proponents in the immediate, early, and delayed categories.
Which fracture is slowest to heal?
Nonunion fractures Union fractures fail to heal properly, even when prescribed a course of treatment and given high-quality medical care. This happens when the fracture isn’t stable enough and doesn’t have enough of a blood supply to heal.
What to do when someone has a compound fracture?
avoid moving the injured leg as much as possible – keep it straight and put a cushion or clothing underneath to support it
How do you repair a compound fracture?
The forearm is made up of two bones,the ulna and the radius.
What is the best treatment for open fractures?
Debridement and Irrigation. These are the first steps in controlling the risk for infection.
How serious is a compound fracture?
The most common causes of compound fractures are falls, accidents, overuse, and osteoporosis. All fractures are serious injuries, most especially compound ones that can become infected. And if left untreated, fractures can lead to permanent injury of nearby nerves and muscles.