What is the difference between a closed fracture and an open one? You will learn the answer to the question posed from the materials of this article. In addition, we will tell you what types of fractures exist, how they differ, what first aid should be provided to the victim.
General information
Closed fracture is a partial or complete violation of the integrity of the bone. As a rule, this occurs under a load that significantly exceeds the strength of the injured part of the skeleton. Such a pathological condition can be observed both as a result of injury and as a result of various diseases accompanied by changes in the composition of bone tissues.
Severity of the patient's condition
The threat to the patient's he alth in open and closed fractures is due to the size of the damaged bones, as well as their number. If, as a result of injury, the destruction of large tubular bones occurred, then this often leads to traumatic shock and profuse blood loss. It should be noted that after such a fracture, patients recover very slowly. Their recoverymay take several months.
Classification of fractures
In medical practice, fractures are classified according to several criteria. As a rule, they are associated with the localization of injuries, the cause of occurrence, direction, shape, severity, etc. However, immediately after a fracture, the first thing specialists 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 of the traumatologist, but also of the victim himself.
Open, closed fracture
There are two main types of fractures:
- Open. Such a fracture is accompanied by damage not only to bones, but also to a violation of the integrity of soft tissues that communicate with the external environment.
- Closed. This form is considered lighter than open. This is due to the fact that such a fracture is characterized by damage only to the bone tissue. Moreover, the skin, ligaments, muscles, etc. remain intact.
Despite the fact that a closed fracture is considered a mild form of injury, it is a mistake to believe that it can be left untreated. After all, the consequences for the victim can be extremely unpleasant.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing a closed fracture is much more difficult than an open one. It should also be noted that with a minor injury (for example, in the case of a crack without displacement), pathology may not be detected immediately. After all, injured people very often write off the pain caused by a fracture as an ordinary bruise. That is why you should be aware of the signs thatcharacteristic of such an injury.
Symptoms of a closed fracture
If you get a closed fracture of the ankle, hand, etc., then most likely you will show the following symptoms:
- severe pain in the area of injury;
- puffiness;
- deformities in the part of the limb where a fracture is suspected;
- characteristic crunch in the injured area;
- complete immobility or restriction in movement (if the joint is damaged);
- hematomas;
- moving bones where there is no joint.
It should be especially noted that with closed fractures, not all symptoms may be observed at the same time. In this regard, for the final diagnosis, it is imperative to contact a traumatologist and take an x-ray.
By the way, the signs of a closed fracture of the arms and legs stand out among the rest. Indeed, in this case, the victim can almost immediately understand that a rather serious injury has occurred. This is due to the fact that, for example, in case of fractures of the bones of the lower extremities, support on the injured leg is almost impossible.
Severity of injury
By complexity, fractures can be:
- no offset;
- offset.
Of course, a non-displaced closed fracture represents the mildest degree of injury. After all, with this form, the surrounding tissues are not destroyed by bone fragments. Moreover, after receiving such an injury, the patient recovers in the shortest possible time.timing.
Closed displaced fracture is very common today. This deviation is characterized by displacement of bone fragments in different planes. It should be noted that such injury is the most difficult. After all, pointed pieces of bones quite easily damage the surrounding soft tissues (ligaments, muscles, blood vessels), which causes severe hemorrhage.
A fracture with a displacement in the chest area is considered especially dangerous. After all, fragments of ribs and other bones can stick into vital internal organs, which will eventually lead to death.
Main symptoms of a displaced fracture
A closed fracture with displacement differs markedly from a similar injury, but without displacement of bone fragments in different planes. In this case, the patient can observe:
- growing dull or sharp pain;
- swelling at the site of injury;
- joint deformity;
- unusual position of the damaged part of the body;
- pain during palpation;
- free sagging of a joint (eg arms, legs, etc.).
Closed fracture: first aid to the victim
The main help for an injured person with a suspected closed fracture is immobilization of the damaged area of the body. This is necessary so that the person does not experience any complications during transportation to the hospital.
So how should you act if your loved onepresumably closed fracture? First aid for such an injury should be to apply a temporary splint to the affected area. In this case, your actions must be very careful. After installation, the splint must be fixed using any tissue for this, and the bandage should not be tightened too tight. Otherwise, blood circulation may be disturbed with the occurrence of even more severe edema.
What can be used as a tire? In the absence of special medical equipment, any suitable long hard objects (for example, a board, ruler, stick, etc.) can be used. It is desirable to apply tires on both sides of the damaged area.
As you know, closed bone fractures are always accompanied by swelling. In this regard, experts recommend applying a cold compress to the sore spot for a while. If the victim was injured at home, then a piece of meat from the freezer or ordinary ice can serve as such a cooling agent, which should be wrapped in a towel beforehand.
In the event that the patient experiences severe pain, it is recommended to give him painkillers.
Treatment of a closed fracture
Closed comminuted fracture is the most difficult degree of injury. As a rule, such damage requires immediate surgical intervention to remove the fragments. If, in case of a severe injury, an operation is not performed to remove pointed bones that literally tear soft tissues, thenthe patient may develop a severe hemorrhage, which will later lead to suppuration of internal wounds and, as a result, amputation.
If the injury is simple, but there is still a displacement, then the parts of the bones must be combined. Only an experienced traumatologist should carry out this procedure. Upon completion of the operation, a cast is applied to the damaged area of the body, which will serve as a fixator for 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 the daily development of the injured limb with the help of dosed loads. In addition, for the speedy fusion of bones, the patient is prescribed drugs containing calcium and other macro- and microelements.
Summarize
Closed fracture with or without displacement must be confirmed by objective evidence such as X-ray. In addition, you should definitely undergo an examination by a surgeon.
If the victim has a closed fracture with displacement of bone fragments, then this requires reposition. As a rule, this procedure is carried out under local anesthesia. It is essential that it be carried out by a professional. Otherwise, inept reduction will lead to such irreversible complications as the loss of important limb functions.
