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Contents
  • Life-Threatening Complications
  • Acute Complications You Need to Know
  • Delayed Complications and Their Impact

What Are the Hidden Dangers of Fractures?

What Are the Hidden Dangers of Fractures?

Why It Matters

Fractures can lead to serious complications if not managed properly. Understanding these risks can help in preventing long-term problems.
Contents
  • Life-Threatening Complications
  • Acute Complications You Need to Know
  • Delayed Complications and Their Impact

Life-Threatening Complications

Certain fractures, like those of the femur and pelvis, can be life-threatening due to the risk of severe bleeding. Hip fractures in older adults can lead to immobility and complications like pneumonia. It's crucial to address these fractures with urgency to prevent further health risks.

Acute Complications You Need to Know

Acute complications arise from the immediate trauma of the fracture. These include injury to arteries, leading to blood flow issues, or nerve damage causing sensory loss. Timely medical intervention is needed to prevent permanent damage and ensure proper healing.
Fractures can lead to serious complications such as severe bleeding, immobility, and infections if not managed properly. Timely intervention is crucial to prevent long-term health issues.

Delayed Complications and Their Impact

Delayed complications can occur well after the fracture is treated. Nonunion, where the bone fails to heal, or osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection, can develop. These conditions require close monitoring and sometimes additional treatments to resolve.

FAQs

Can fractures cause severe bleeding?

Yes, especially fractures of the femur and pelvis can cause severe hemorrhage.

What are acute complications of fractures?

They include arterial and nerve injuries from the trauma.

What is nonunion in fractures?

Nonunion is when the bone fails to heal properly over time.

Are older adults at greater risk with hip fractures?

Yes, they are at risk for complications like immobility and pneumonia.

The Bottom Line

Awareness and timely management of fracture complications can prevent severe health issues.
Talk to Doctronic to learn more about managing fracture risks effectively!
Additional References
  1. McKay SD, MacDermid JC, Roth JH, Richards RS. Assessment of complications of distal radius fractures. J Hand Surg Am 2001; 26:916.
  2. Turner RG, Faber KJ, Athwal GS. Complications of distal radius fractures. Orthop Clin North Am 2007; 38:217.
  3. Giordano CP, Koval KJ, Zuckerman JD, Desai P. Fracture blisters. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1994; :214.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.