What is a compound fracture wound?

  There are over one million broken bone injuries in the U.S. on a yearly basis, as estimated by the Cleveland Clinic. Among the several types of these injuries is a compound fracture. In the event that you hear that fateful crack, here’s a quick guide to compound fractures: A compound fracture is a type of broken bone. What is a compound fracture? Also known as an open fracture, compound fractures occur when there is an open wound or skin tear in the affected area, making the broken bone visible. It’s often the fragment of the bone itself that breaks through the skin and causes the open wound. This is opposed to closed fractures, in which the surrounding skin remains intact. According to OrthoInfo by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, compound fractures are often caused by gunshots, motor-vehicle accidents, sports injuries or intense falls. The severity of compound fractures will depend on the cause, wound size and location, plus the amount of tissue damage. The signs and symptoms Severe pain, swelling, tenderness and bruising are common signs of any fracture. The open wound, which can range from a significant amount of skin loss to a small puncture hole, is the defining characteristic of a compound fracture. The risks Because the skin is open, compound fractures have a high risk of infection. Contamination can occur at the site of the injury, especially if objects like dirt, grass, broken glass, mud and clothing reach the wound. For this r...
Source: Advanced Tissue - Category: Dermatology Authors: Tags: Wound Care wound healing wound care treatment Source Type: news