What are the complications of fractures?

Fractures are among the common injuries in orthopedics, usually caused when bones are subjected to external forces, resulting in disruption of their continuity. Fractures can also lead to complications that may prolong recovery time and even have long-term effects on the patient's health. The following is a detailed explanation of fracture complications:

1. Infection: In open fractures, bacteria may enter the body through the wound, leading to local or systemic infection. Even with closed fractures, there remains a risk of infection during surgical treatment.

2. Vascular and nerve injury: During a fracture, surrounding blood vessels and nerves may also be damaged, resulting in circulatory disturbances, sensory abnormalities, or loss of muscle function. For example, a femoral neck fracture may damage the femoral artery and femoral nerve, causing limb ischemia or paralysis.

3. Peripheral nerve injury: Peripheral nerves may be stretched, compressed, bruised, or pierced during a fracture, leading to impaired nerve function.

4. Spinal cord injury: Severe vertebral fractures and dislocations may be accompanied by spinal cord injury, causing serious consequences such as paralysis.

5. Fat embolism: When the pressure of hematoma within the medullary cavity increases significantly at the fracture site, fat droplets may be forced into the veins, causing pulmonary embolism or cerebral embolism. This is a severe complication that can be life-threatening.

There are many possible complications associated with fractures, all of which can have serious consequences for the patient. During treatment, it is essential to promptly identify and manage these complications to promote patient recovery.