What are open fractures? Are all open fractures infectious?

We all suffer from a fracture at any point in life. At that point, we often go to orthopedics – the doctor of bones and joints. But do you know there are many types of fractures? One of them is an open fracture.

Open Fracture
An open fracture is defined as a broken bone that penetrates the skin. When your broken bone penetrates the skin, it requires the immediate treatment. Sometimes, the operation is necessary to clean out the fracture area. Moreover, the open fractures are the result of high-level injuries like a car crash, fall or the sport-related injuries. One of the most famous examples of a sport-related open surgery is that of Joe Theismann, a footballer who ended his career after suffering from an open fracture.

Infections in Open Fracture
There is a high chance of infection among the open surgeries. All the open fractures are considered as contaminated because of the contact between the bone and external environment of the body. There is always a chance that the bacteria have entered during the open fracture. The extent of infection is dependent on various factors like damage in the soft tissues and the environment where the fracture has happened.

This bacteria can contaminate your fracture.The bacteria that are most likely present on skin surface will contaminate the condition. Therefore, most of the open fractures are infected with the Strep infections. Further, there are different types of bacteria that can enter your body based on the site of the fracture. For example, a farmer with a sustained open fracture will have the contamination from the bacteria in the soil as well.

Treatments for Open Fracture
There are many treatments related to the open fracture. But, most common of them is a surgery by the orthopedics. It requires urgent surgery because once the infection affects the site of fracture it can travel to the bone as well. This can lead to the high rate of infection in the bone. This situation might create some problems.

Most of the traditional orthopedic surgeons suggest the surgery should take place within the six hours of injuries. But due to advancement, doctors suggest that surgery can take place within 24 hours of the injury.
Following things should be done apart from the surgery-
• Treatment should be given including the antibiotics and medicines which will stabilize the fracture.
• If the patient doesn’t know their vaccination status, they should be given a tetanus shot.
• Established bone fractures require a treatment that includes multiple surgeries and a long course of antibiotics.

Recovery of Open Fractures
Open fractures involve long recovery time. The time will depend on the extent of the bone injury and soft tissues surrounding the bone. They might have a high rate of complications sustaining to infections and nonunion. Although, timely treatment of the patient can overcome these factors. But, it will involve surgical cleaning of the fracture site, antibiotics, and stabilization of bones.

Apart from the remedial measures, the treatment of open fractures takes long time as compared to the closed fractures. Moreover, the infection and delay in healing will also depend on the injury in the soft tissue. For example, a closed fracture of the tibia, takes around 3 months to recover, while an open fracture in tibia can take 4.5 months to recover completely.

Therefore, when you have suffered from an open infection, it is better to consult the orthopedics within 6 hours of the injury. Proper care should be taken to heal the injury. Take medicines on time and stay healthy.

To know more about your specific condition, please visit an Orthopedician in a trusted hospital close to you.