Common injuries.
Most fractures are closed.
Open fractures exist when the broken bone is exposed, resulting in a greater risk of contamination.
In severe open fractures of the lower extremity infection rates of up to 27% occur.
Initial management of open fractures involves debridement with excision of damaged tissue, removal of contaminated material, and antibiotic administration.
Open fractures are usually fixed, immobilized and dressings are applied to the surface of the wound.
Generally a sealed nine adhesive layer protects the open fracture from further contamination.
In 48-72 hours reassessment and further debridement is typically performed in open fractures.
Negative pressure wound therapy is an alternative form of dressing , where a device creates a partial vacuum using suction removing blood and fluid that may collect in the wound.