Compound Fracture Splint

A compound or an open fracture is a type of fracture in which the broken bone fragments penetrate through the skin surface and are exposed to outside environment and can be seen visibly.

Compound fracture splint. War and the treatment of the casualties of war have invariably stimulated the study of proper methods of caring for compound fractures. Lower limb fractures are common injuries in prehospital care. Keeping weight off the ankle is also crucial. An unstable hip would not provide a proper base to apply traction and is also indicative of possible life threatening internal bleeding.

Such fractures occur mainly due to high impact motor vehicle collisions severe assault or severe injuries. Splint or short arm cast in the safe position wrist dorsiflexed 30 mcp joint flexed 70 90 ip joints extended for 3 wks. This position of function shifts the extensor aponeurosis distally to cover the majority of the proximal phalanx dorsally which compresses and stabilizes the fracture. Pelvis hip and femur upper leg fractures often completely immobilize the person.

Because broken bones of the pelvis and upper leg can cause massive life threatening internal bleeding people with these types of fractures should be evacuated unless splinting and carriage are absolutely necessary in these cases the splint should extend to the lower back and down past the knee of the. Untreated fractures can lead to hypovolaemic shock especially if open and should be treated with effective haemorrhage control and splintage. A compound fracture almost always requires reduction. Open compound fracture treatment seek emergency medical attention if you have an open fracture.

A compound tibia or fibula fracture is quite a serious injury as the bone sticks out of the skin. The doctor will x ray the dislocation or fracture and may realign and set it. So a hard or soft cast splint or walking boot is usually prescribed. Compound fracture of the wrist is a type of fracture which is usually caused due to a traumatic injury because of which the wrist bone breaks in such a way that it juts out of the skin for example if a pedestrian is struck by a moving car on the foot then the bone may penetrate through the wound caused by the injury and can be seen through the naked eye.

Webmd medical reference reviewed by tyler wheeler. The presence of hip instability rules out the traction splint. The doctor may apply a splint or cast or surgery may be required. Secure patient to a long board and transport to the closest trauma center.

Follow the rice principle while you wait for help. To as a compound fracture see figure 3.