Break in bony continuity; classify by site, pattern, displacement, open/closed, neurovascular status.
Investigations
- • X-ray two views including joints above and below
- • CT for complex articular/spine/pelvis
- • MRI for occult / soft-tissue injury
Management
- • ATLS if polytrauma
- • Open fracture: IV co-amoxiclav + tetanus + photograph + saline cover; theatre within 24 h
- • Closed reduction + immobilisation OR internal/external fixation
- • Analgesia, DVT prophylaxis
Complications
- • Compartment syndrome (pain out of proportion, pain on passive stretch)
- • Neurovascular injury
- • Non-union, malunion, fat embolism
Clinical pearls
- • Compartment syndrome diagnosis is clinical — fasciotomy without delay
References
- • BOAST 4 Open fractures
Educational — verify locally.
