Open Fracture Symptoms - Treatment | Surgery | Healing Time

There are two classifications of fractures: open and closed. This article will talk about an open fracture in detail. This type of fracture is a condition in which the bone penetrates the skin. It is a more complicated condition, compared to the closed fracture, and requires immediate treatment. This is because if left untreated, infections could cause late healing and even greater problems. While most fractures are of the closed type, open bone injuries occur and, when they do, they can be potentially dangerous.

Open Fracture Types or Classification:

There are four types of open fractures, namely: Type 1, Type II, Type III-A and Type III-B.
Type 1-, the wound is less than one centimeter and there is only a minimal lesion of the tissues without contamination.

Type II: the wound measures between 1 and 10 centimeters; The damage is quite extensive in the tissues. I would notice a slight to moderate crush, and there is contamination in the fractured area.
Type III-A: the wound measures much more than 10 centimeters. The extent of the damage is very large. There are serious crushing and contamination.

Type III-B: the wound also measures more than 10 centimeters. There is severe contamination and a lot of tissue loss.

Diagnosis of open bone fracture

It is much easier to diagnose an open fracture due to the fact that it is visible on the skin. However, for a more accurate diagnosis, the following are made:

1. Physical exam to see the extent of the damage.
2. CT scan
3. X-ray radiography

The above tools should be sufficient to verify the severity of the open bone lesion. Other doctors may request more advanced diagnostic procedures, especially for small wounds, but for the most part, these should be sufficient to properly assess the condition. Rehabilitation or rehabilitation is required.

Causes of open bone fracture

The most common causes of open fractures are sports-related injuries, vehicle accidents and falls. It is the high impact that causes the bones to protrude and become visible on the skin. It is almost impossible for diseases and other health conditions to cause open bone fractures.

Open bone fracture symptom for a broken bone

In addition to excruciating pain, it is easy to know if a person has an open bone lesion. This is because the wound is visible to the naked eye. If there appears to be a bone bump on the skin, this means that the person has an open fracture.

Open bone fracture for broken bone treatment

First aid treatment for open fractures includes an evaluation of the fracture to determine the severity. The next thing is to make sure that the injured area is immobilized because the condition could get worse when it moves. Then, because it is an open wound, it must be disinfected immediately with tablets or iodine solutions. Bandage the wound with the appropriate bandage and seek medical assistance. The doctor would usually perform surgery to prevent infections and restore bone function. Surgery may be important or as simple as closing the wound, depending on the severity of the condition. In addition, antibiotics will be administered for the same purpose because it has been found to reduce the risk of open fracture infection by approximately 59%. Commonly prescribed antibiotic medications are ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. Prophylaxis is also used.

Another method of treatment, which is, in fact, a standard operating procedure, is irrigation. This is necessary to prevent infection by open bone lesions because it is effective in eliminating foreign matter. Irrigation generally requires approximately 3 liters of liquid, although common practice is 3 liters for type I, 6 liters for type II and 9 liters for type III-A and III-B. Emedicine is also important.

Open bone fracture healing time or recovery time: it may take more than 8 weeks.

Prevention of open bone fracture

The best way to avoid open fractures is to stay away from accident-prone areas and practice defensive driving. As mentioned, open fractures are the result of trauma from accidents and injuries, so preventive measures should focus on these aspects.

When to call a doctor

Some people think that when the wound is small, they can simply clean it and cover it with a bandage. But this is really a risky move. Doctors agree that immediate medical attention should be provided when there is an open fracture. This is because the risk of infection is very high. Ideally, surgical treatment should be administered within 5-6 hours. People who do not see a doctor when they have open bone lesions have a potential risk of more serious infections, which could lead to more serious problems. When you or someone you know has an open wound, go to the hospital immediately.