Compound Fractures

What is the "prevalence" of compound fracture in the United States?

11.5 in 100,000

What is the "incidence" of compound fracture in the United States?

3.5 million fractures occur annually, 3.5% of those are compound (as of 2008)

What is the "official" definition of a compound fracture?

A fracture in which the bones involved break the skin leaving a tract for infection to enter the body.

Which classification is a compound fracture? Additive or destructive?

Additive-because the surrounding tissues may be swollen or destructive-because there may not be much tissue left to go through.

What is the "etiology" (causes) of compound fracture?

High energy trauma, twisting injuries, and other intense force directly applied to the bones.

Under which "causative agent" can compound fracture be classified?

Exogenous.

Radiographically, how is a compound fracture portrayed on a general imaging study?

It is an interruption of normal cortical bone visualized extending through and beyond the surrounding soft tissue and it's normal border.

What is the "mortality rate" of compound fracture in the United States?

Of all cases of compound fractures only 1% are fatal.

What is the "morbidity rate" of compound fracture in the United States?

Patients who have a compound fracture are hospitalized, the morbidity rate is increased due to infection, and problems associated with loss of mobility.

What is the "prognosis" of a compound fracture?

Timely administration of systemic antibiotics, surgical debridement within 6 hours of initial injury, skeletal stabilization and delayed wound closure are all principles of treatment that affect infection rates and successful rehabilitation.