What is an open fracture?
Disease description:
Recently, a colleague's child suffered a leg fracture, described as an "open fracture." I'd like to know what an open fracture is.
An open fracture is a type of fracture in which the continuity of the bone is disrupted, and bone fragments or protruding bone ends penetrate through the skin surface. Open fractures involve both mechanical injury and a high risk of infection, making their treatment highly complex. In general, open fractures require surgical intervention, primarily including surgical debridement and closure, bone grafting, and external fixation. In addition to surgical treatment, effective measures against infection and hemorrhage control are also essential.