What is the difference between a closed fracture and an open fracture?The answer to this question will be found in the materials in this article. In addition, we will tell you what kinds of fractures exist, how they differ, what first aid should be given to the victim.
general information
Closed fracture is a partial or complete fractureviolation of bone integrity. Typically, this occurs with a load that significantly exceeds the strength of the traumatized portion of the skeleton. Such a pathological condition can be observed both as a result of trauma and as a result of various diseases accompanied by changes in the composition of bone tissues.
Severity of patient's condition
Threat of the patient with open and closedfractures due to the size of damaged bones, as well as their number. If, as a result of the injury, large tubular bones are destroyed, this often leads to traumatic shock and heavy blood loss. It should be noted that after such a fracture the patients recover very slowly. Their recovery may take several months.
Classification of fractures
In medical practice, fractures are classified byseveral criteria. As a rule, they are associated with the localization of injuries, the cause of the occurrence, direction, shape, severity, etc. However, immediately after the fracture, the first thing experts pay attention to is whether it is closed or open. After all, it is the integrity of the skin that first of all catches the eye not only to the traumatologist, but also to the injured.
Open, closed fracture
There are two main types of fractures:
- Open. Such a fracture is accompanied by damage not only to the bones, but also to a violation of the integrity of the soft tissues that communicate with the external environment.
- Closed. This form is considered to be easier thanopen. This is due to the fact that damage to only bone tissue is characteristic for such a fracture. And the skin, ligaments, muscles, etc., remain intact.
Despite the fact that the closed fracture is considered an easy form of injury, it is mistaken to believe that it can not be treated. After all, the consequences for the victim can be extremely unpleasant.
Diagnostics
Диагностировать закрытый перелом намного сложнее, rather than open. It should also be noted that with minor trauma (for example, in the case of a crack without displacement), it is not immediately possible to detect pathology. After all, injured people very often write off the pain caused by a fracture, for an ordinary bruise. That's why you should know the signs that are characteristic of such a trauma.
Symptoms of closed fracture
If you received a closed fracture of the ankle, brush, etc., then, most likely, you will exhibit the following symptoms:
- severe pain in the area of injury;
- swelling;
- deformation in that part of the limb, where a fracture is suspected;
- characteristic crunch in the injured area;
- complete immobility or restriction in movement (in the event that the joint is damaged);
- hematomas;
- movement of bones where there is no joint.
It should be specially noted that with closedfractures may not be all symptoms at the same time. In this regard, for the final diagnosis, you must always consult a traumatologist and take an X-ray.
By the way, signs of closed fracture of hands and feetespecially stand out among the others. After all, in this case, the victim can almost immediately understand that serious damage has occurred. This is due to the fact that, for example, with fractures of the bones of the lower extremities, the support to the injured leg is practically impossible.
Severity of defeat
The complexity of fractures can be:
- without bias;
- with offset.
Of course, closed fracture without biasrepresents the easiest degree of damage. After all, with this form, the surrounding tissue is not destroyed by splinters of bones. Moreover, after receiving such an injury, the patient is restored in the shortest possible time.
Closed fracture with displacement occurs todayOften. For such a deviation is typical displacement of fragments of bones in different planes. It should be noted that such trauma is the most difficult. After all, pointed bone pieces quite easily damage surrounding soft tissues (ligaments, muscles, vessels), which causes severe hemorrhage.
Especially dangerous is a fracture with a shift inarea of the chest. After all, fragments of ribs and other bones can attach to vital internal organs, which eventually leads to death.
Main symptoms of fracture with displacement
Closed fracture with displacement significantly differs from similar damage, but without the movement of fragments of bones in different planes. Thus the patient can observe at itself:
- growing dull or sharp pain;
- swelling at the site of injury;
- deformation of the joint;
- unusual position of the damaged part of the body;
- painful sensations during palpation;
- free sagging of the joint (for example, arms, legs, etc.).
Closed fracture: first aid to the victim
The main help to the injured with suspicion ofThe closed fracture is the immobilization of the damaged part of the body. This is necessary to ensure that no complications arise in the process of transportation to the hospital.
Since you should act if youra supposedly closed fracture? The first help in obtaining such an injury should be the imposition of a temporary tire on the affected area. In this case, your actions should be very cautious. After installation, the tire must be fixed using any fabric, and the bandage should not be tightened too tightly. Otherwise, blood circulation may be disturbed with the appearance of an even more severe edema.
What can be used as a tire?In the absence of special medical devices, any suitable long hard objects (for example, a board, ruler, stick, etc.) can be used. It is desirable to impose tires on both sides of the damaged area.
As you know, closed fractures of bones alwaysaccompanied by swelling. In this regard, experts recommend that for a while, apply a cold compress to the sore spot. If the injured person is injured at home, then such a coolant may be a piece of meat from the freezer or ordinary ice, which should be pre-wrapped in a towel.
In the event that the patient experiences severe pain, it is recommended that he give an anesthetic.
Treatment of closed fracture
Closed comminuted fracture is athe most difficult degree of injury. As a rule, such damage requires immediate surgical intervention to extract fragments. If a strong injury does not perform an operation to remove the pointed bones that literally tear the soft tissues, then the patient may develop severe hemorrhage, which will further lead to suppuration of the internal wounds and, as a result, amputation.
If the injury is simple, but still theredisplacement, then parts of the bones are necessarily combined. To carry out this procedure should only an experienced traumatologist. Upon completion of the operation, gypsum is applied to the damaged part of the body, which will serve as a fixative of the fracture and significantly reduce the likelihood of additional injury.
Depending on the severity of the injury, the patient wears a plaster cast from 2-3 weeks to 3-6 months. In the future, the patient is prescribed a massage, as well as physical therapy classes.
Very important during the rehabilitation period is anddaily development of the injured limb using metered loads. In addition, for the rapid accretion of bones, patients are prescribed drugs containing calcium and other macro- and microelements.
Let's sum up the results
A closed fracture with or without displacement must be confirmed using objective data such as an x-ray. In addition, you should definitely be examined by a surgeon.
If the victim has a closed fracturewith the displacement of bone fragments, this requires reposition. As a rule, such a procedure is performed under local anesthesia. It is imperative that it is carried out by a professional. Otherwise, inept positioning will lead to such irreversible complications as the loss of important functions of the limb.
