Open fractures and management

Question 1

what is the definition of an open fracture

Answer 1

when there is direct communication between the fracture and the external environment

Question 2

what the risks of open fractures

Answer 2

there is an increased risk of infection, mobility, soft tissue complications and a greater chance that it was a high impact injury

Question 3

what classification scale is used to categorise open fractures

Answer 3

Gutilo classification

Question 4

what are the different types of open fracture

Answer 4

type 1, 2, 3A, 3B and 3C

Question 5

describe the different types of open fracture

Answer 5

type 1 = <1cm wound
type 2 = >1cm wound and moderate soft tissue damage
type 3 - >10cm would with extensive soft tissue dage

Question 6

what is the most common type of open fracture

Answer 6

type 3B

Question 7

what bones are most commonly affected in open fractures

Answer 7

fingers and tibial shaft fractures

Question 8

how are open fractures managed

Answer 8

• ATLS
• tetanus and antibiotic prophylaxis
• fracture stabilisation/fixation
• radigraphs
• saline covers
• aim to do surgery within 24 hours