What is the difference between a closed fracture and an open one? You will learn the answer to this question from the materials in this article. In addition, we will tell you what types of fractures exist, how they differ, what first aid is needed to provide the victim.
general information
A closed fracture is a partial or complete violation of the integrity of the bone. As a rule, this occurs under load, which significantly exceeds the strength of the injured section of the skeleton. Such a pathological condition can be observed both due to trauma, and as a result of various diseases, accompanied by changes in the composition of bone tissues.
The severity of the patient's condition
The threat to the health of the patient with open and closed fractures is due to the size of the damaged bones, as well as their number. If the destruction of large tubular bones occurred as a result of trauma , then often this leads to traumatic shock and profuse blood loss. It should be noted that after such a fracture, patients recover very slowly. Their recovery may take several months.
Fracture classification
In medical practice, fractures are classified according to several criteria. As a rule, they are associated with the localization of injuries, the cause of the occurrence, direction, shape, severity, etc. However, immediately after a fracture, the first thing that 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 victim himself.
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 a violation of the integrity of the soft tissues that communicate with the external environment.
- Closed. This form is considered easier than open. This is due to the fact that only bone tissue damage is characteristic of such a fracture. 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.
Diagnostics
Diagnosing a closed fracture is much more difficult than diagnosing an open fracture. It should also be noted that with a minor injury (for example, in the case of a crack without displacement), pathology can not be detected immediately. After all, affected people very often attribute the pain caused by a fracture to a normal bruise. That is why you should know the signs that are characteristic of such an injury.
Symptoms of a closed fracture
If you received a closed fracture of the ankle, hand, etc., then most likely you will manifest the following symptoms:
- severe pain in the area of damage;
- swelling;
- strain in that part of the limb where a fracture is suspected;
- characteristic crunch in the injured area;
- complete immobility or restriction of movement (in the event that the joint is damaged);
- hematomas;
- bone movement where there is no joint.
It should be noted that with closed fractures, not all symptoms may be observed at the same time. In this regard, for a final diagnosis, it is necessary to consult a traumatologist and take an x-ray.
By the way, 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 there was a rather serious damage. This is due to the fact that, for example, in case of fractures of bones of the lower extremities, support on a damaged leg is practically impossible.
Severity of defeat
By complexity, fractures can be:
- without bias;
- with offset.
Of course, a closed fracture without displacement represents the easiest degree of damage. 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.
A closed fracture with displacement is very common today. Such a deviation is characterized by the displacement of bone fragments in different planes. It should be noted that such an injury is the most difficult. After all, pointed pieces of bones easily enough damage the surrounding soft tissues (ligaments, muscles, blood vessels), which cause severe hemorrhage.
A fracture with a displacement in the chest area is considered especially dangerous . After all, fragments of ribs and other bones can penetrate into vital internal organs, which will ultimately lead to death.
The main symptoms of a fracture with an offset
A closed fracture with displacement differs markedly from a similar damage, but without moving bone fragments in different planes. In this case, the patient can observe:
- growing dull or sharp pain;
- swelling at the site of damage;
- joint deformation;
- unusual position of the damaged part of the body;
- pain during palpation;
- free sagging of the joint (e.g. arms, legs, etc.).
Closed fracture: first aid to the victim
The main help for the injured with a suspected closed fracture is the immobilization of the damaged part of the body. This is necessary so that during transportation to the hospital a person does not have any complications.
So what should you do if your loved one has a presumably closed fracture? First aid for such an injury should be the application of a temporary splint on the affected area. In this case, your actions should be very careful. After installation, the tire needs to be fixed using any fabric, 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 devices, any suitable long, hard objects can be used (for example, a board, ruler, stick, etc.). It is advisable 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 a sore spot for a while. If the victim was injured at home, then a piece of meat from the freezer or regular ice, which should be wrapped in a towel beforehand, can serve as such a cooling agent.
In the event that the patient experiences severe pain, it is recommended that he be given pain medication.
Closed fracture treatment
Closed comminuted fracture is the most difficult degree of injury. Typically, such damage requires immediate surgical intervention to remove the fragments. If, during a severe injury, an operation to remove the pointed bones that literally tear soft tissues is not performed, the patient may develop severe hemorrhage, which will subsequently lead to suppuration of internal wounds and, as a result, amputation.
If the injury is simple, but there is still displacement, then parts of the bones must be combined. This procedure should be performed only by an experienced traumatologist. At the end of the operation, gypsum is applied to the damaged part 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 massage, as well as physical therapy classes.
Very important during the rehabilitation period is the daily development of a damaged limb with dosed loads. In addition, for the fastest bone fusion, the patient is prescribed preparations containing calcium and other macro- and microelements.
To summarize
A closed fracture with or without displacement should be confirmed using objective data such as an x-ray. In addition, it is imperative to undergo an examination by a surgeon.
If the patient has a closed fracture with displacement of bone fragments, then 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, an inept reduction will lead to irreversible complications such as the loss of important limb functions.