Open Fractures Flashcards

1
Q

What is a open fracture

A

A fracture is ‘open’ when there is a direct communication between the fracture site and the external environment.

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2
Q

what are the common open fractures

A

tibial, phalangeal, forearm, ankle, and metacarpal.

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3
Q

What can open fractures lead to

A

Tenting of skin and therefore breaks and wounds

Soft tissue damage

Neurovascular damage

Infection

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4
Q

What is the classification system used for open fractures

A

Gustilo-Anderson classification

- check on TMS

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5
Q

What investigations would you carry out for open fractures

A

X rays

Group and save

Routine bloods

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6
Q

How do you manage a open limb

A

Realignment and splinting

Repeat neurovascular exam

Tetanus vaccination

Photograph wound

Wash out debris using saline soaked gauze - not for theatre

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7
Q

What is the definitive management of open fractures

A

Surgical debridement

Ensure the wound is washed out with copious volumes of saline. Ensure definitive skeletal stabilisation; if soft tissue coverage is required, this should happen within 72 hours, or as guided by plastic surgeon advice.

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