2 Tips For Protecting An Open Fracture From Bacterial Infection

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High-energy fractures are caused by accidents that require a large amount of energy or force. For example, if you are hit by a car at a high speed, then you may sustain a fracture to your leg. High-energy fractures often result in open fractures. The intense energy required can cause the bone to shatter. Since the bone is incredibly sharp, it can easily pierce through the layers of your skin. When an open fracture occurs, it is even more important to be aware of a possible infection. A bacterial infection can contaminate your skin as well as the fractured bone. If not treated quickly, you could end up losing a limb. Fortunately, there are a few tips that you can use to prevent infection when sustaining an open fracture.

Get On Antibiotics as Soon as Possible

The most effective way to prevent infection after an open fracture is to begin taking antibiotics as soon as possible. The more time that passes without any antibiotics, the more likely that your wound and fracture will be contaminated. Antibiotics are given to you by a doctor. Therefore, your fracture should be treated as an emergency situation. The moment you are injured, it is important to call for medical help. Or, if you are unable to do this yourself, then someone else should help you contact emergency personnel in your area. 

Keep Your Open Fracture Covered

Contaminants in the air and nearby can easily infect your open wound. Therefore, you should try to cover the open wound while you wait for medical help to arrive. You should only apply a sterile dressing to the wound. Trying to use anything else will only exacerbate the situation. If someone is with you, then they should be the one to apply the sterile dressing after washing their hands. The dressing will help to preserve your open wound until medical help can begin to assist you. If you are alone, then the next best thing is to remain as still as possible. This will prevent the fractured bone from creating additional wounds in other areas of your skin. The more that you move, the more dangerous that the wound can become.

Protecting an open fracture from potential infection can be difficult to do since you may be experiencing an intense amount of pain. However, following these tips will help to ensure that doctors are able to salvage your fractured bone and restore your body to working condition. For more information, contact a company like Ultimate Sports.  


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