Fracture, Open

Basics

Description

  • Continuity between skin violation and fracture site, ranging from a puncture wound to grossly exposed bone
  • Surgical urgency due to infection risk and tissue compromise
  • High-risk scenarios:
    • Extensive soft tissue disruption
    • Severe wound contamination (farm, water, environmental)
    • Vascular compromise
    • Segmental or unstable fractures Compromised host (diabetes, vascular disease)

Etiology

Open fractures typically result from significant blunt force or penetrating trauma:

  • Farm machinery, crush injuries, falls from height, vehicular trauma

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