People usually don’t think of broken bones as catastrophic injuries. Most fractures respond well to medical treatment. Doctors can easily set most broken bones. After limiting the use of the affected body part while the bone heals, most people make a full recovery.
Unfortunately, some fractures are far worse than others. It is possible for a broken bone to cause permanent, even catastrophic consequences for the injured person. An open fracture, sometimes also called a compound fracture, is one of the worst ways that a bone can break.
Those who experience compound fractures in car crashes or similar incidents and family members of those with more serious fractures may need information about the risks involved to ensure they handle the situation appropriately. What makes an open fracture such a serious medical issue?
The risk of severe blood loss
The main characteristic that separates an open fracture from other types of fractures is that the broken bone pushes through the muscle and skin. Not only is the injury visually distressing, but it is immediately dangerous. People can lose a life-threatening amount of blood when they sustain compound fractures. They often need immediate trauma care to address the loss of blood and stabilize the injury.
The possibility of an infection
Open fractures are dangerous even after people stop bleeding because of the deep wounds that they cause. Various different pathogens can enter through the wound caused by a compound fracture. Medical professionals must carefully clean and disinfect the injured area to help reduce the risk of infection. Even with prompt treatment, the injured person is vulnerable to a severe infection that could endanger their health and impact their recovery.
The need for surgery
Properly cleaning and setting a compound fracture typically requires a surgical procedure. There are risks involved with operations, including the possibility of a poor response to anesthesia. In some cases, healthcare professionals may need to use plates, pins or rods to stabilize the broken bone during the surgical procedure. The need to undergo surgery drastically increases the cost of treating an open fracture and also significantly increases the recovery time.
In many cases, those with more severe fractures may have long-term functional limitations related to their injuries. People handling the aftermath of a significant injury, such as an open fracture, may need help pursuing compensation. They may require assistance when negotiating an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, and that’s okay. Understanding the risks associated with a compound fracture could help people respond more effectively to potentially catastrophic injuries.