Compound Fractures

What is the incidence of Compound Fx in the US?

A study published in 2008 estimated 3.5 million fractures occur in the United States every year, with roughly 3% (150,000) of these being compound fractures.

What is the morbidity rate for Compound fx?

High. Once treatment is in place, and with no infection present.

What is the official definition of compound fracture?

A compound or open fracture is a fracture in which the bone has penetrated the skin. This type of wound leaves an open route for bacteria to enter from the outside of the body which may lead to infections.

What is the mortality rate of Compound Fx?

Chances you'll live are good, once the treatment is placed and with no infection present. However if there are additional injuries present due to the energy it takes to cause an compound fx, this will change the course of treatment. There is a 40-70% rate of associated trauma elsewhere in the body when there is an open fx.

Under what causative agent can Compound Fx be classified?

High Energy Trauma. Direct Blow. Falling or MVA.

What is the prevalance of Compound Fx?

Depends on the person. Accidents happen. Some people are more accident prone than others. (Once a klutz, always a klutz.) Happens more with (violent) sports ie; Football, soccer, hockey, horseback riding, skateboarding, skiing. Happens in children playing on playgrounds. Happens to elderly when falling, esp with compromised bones. Happens to people with high risk jobs; logging, construction, skydiving.

Which classification is Compound Fx?

Destructive

What is the prognosis of Compound Fx?

Early administration of systemic antibiotics and timely surgical debridement, skeletal stabilization and delayed wound closure are the mainstay principles of treatment in open fractures. Open fractures are generally considered orthopedic emergencies requiring immediate surgical debridement. Within 6 hours of injury the patient should be taken to an operating room for initial debridement. These fractures can be surgically repaired in three different ways. For minor bone displacement a splint can be placed post operatively. With open fractures that have little soft tissue or vasculature damage internal fixations may be placed. With those open fractures that have a higher probability of infection, extensive soft tissue damage, external fixations may be utilized.

What is the etiology of Compound Fx?

Open fractures are caused by high-energy trauma, most commonly from a direct blow, such as from a fall or motor vehicle collision. These fractures can also occur indirectly, such as a high-energy twisting type of injury. Because of the energy required to cause these types of fractures, patients often have additional injuries — some potentially life-threatening — that require treatment. There is a 40% to 70% rate of associated trauma elsewhere in the body when there is an open fracture.

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

Should make you say.."Ooooooo that hurts!" The bone that is broke can be in several pieces, and will show it protruding out of the soft tissue.