Why open fractures are much worse than simple broken bones

Broken bones or fractures are among the most common car crash injuries in the United States. The force produced when vehicles collide is more than sufficient to break bones in the human body. In fact, some of the most severe and debilitating fractures are possible in a collision scenario. People who sustain crush injuries may develop comminuted fractures where the bone breaks into dozens of tiny pieces.

Other times, the violence of a car crash can cause an open or compound fracture. Open fractures tend to be far more severe than simple fractures.

What makes a compound fracture such a catastrophic injury?

Blood loss

An open fracture, by definition, involves the bone pushing through the skin. Anytime an injury damages the skin, blood loss is all but inevitable. Given that they often cause extensive tissue damage, compound fractures can lead to dangerous levels of blood loss. People may require emergency transportation to medical facilities and transfusions of donated blood after sustaining an open fracture in a car crash. It may take weeks to fully recover.

Infection risk

Any damage to the skin creates an opportunity for pathogens to enter the human body. Even a scratch can be enough for bacteria or viruses to enter the human body. Compound fractures expose deeper tissues to pathogens, increasing the possibility of severe infections. Crashes can expose people to many kinds of pathogens, as can time in the hospital. The risk of infection is so significant that surgical treatment of an open fracture is generally necessary. Surgeons perform intensive treatment to limit the chance of an infection developing.

Tissue damage

Open fractures don’t just cause scars and blood loss. They can cause significant damage to the tissue surrounding the injury site. Open fractures can cause damage to connective tissue and musculature. They can also cause permanent nerve damage. People with open fractures have surgical expenses to cover, as well as the cost of a likely lengthy recovery process. Compound fractures can also lead to lost wages and reduced earning potential in some cases.

Seeking compensation for a compound fracture after a car crash may require litigation. The significant expenses associated with open fractures may far exceed the insurance coverage available.