Most broken bones are painful but easily treatable. Modern medical technology makes it possible for physicians to pinpoint the location of a fracture and help the body heal it naturally.
Simple, stable fractures where the bone breaks in one place and remains properly aligned are the easiest to treat. Other fractures can cause a more difficult recovery process. Certain types of fractures become immediate medical emergencies.
An open or compound fracture is likely to require emergency transportation to the nearest hospital. Why is an open or compound fracture so much more dangerous than a basic, stable fracture?
Blood loss
What sets an open or compound fracture apart from other broken bones is that the bone comes out of alignment and ends up pushed through nearby tissue. It breaks the skin, resulting in significant levels of blood loss. Without appropriate medical intervention, that blood loss can cause a host of medical complications or could even prove fatal.
Infection risk
Anytime an injury breaks the skin, the injured person is at risk of a serious infection. In cases where the wound is also deep, it can be very difficult for healthcare professionals to properly sanitize the injury. Compound fractures typically require surgical intervention to clean the affected tissue and minimize the risk of a deep or systemic infection.
The costs of treating a compound fracture and the recovery timeline are both substantially increased in comparison to the impact of a simple, stable fracture. Working with a personal injury attorney can help those with open fractures look at their options for financial compensation to more effectively cover their medical bills and lost wages.