4-2. Kinds of Fractures

Table of Contents

Figure 4-1 depicts types of fractures.

Figure 4-1. Types of fractures (Illustrated A — C).

• a. Closed Fracture (Figure 4-1A). A closed fracture is a broken bone that does not break the overlying skin. The tissue beneath the skin may be damaged. A dislocation is when a joint, such as a knee, ankle, or shoulder, is not in the proper position. A sprain is when the connecting tissues of the joints have been torn. Dislocations and sprains (swelling, possible deformity, and discoloration) should be treated as closed fractures.
• b. Open Fracture (Figure 4-1B and 4-1C). An open fracture is a broken bone that breaks (pierces) the overlying skin. The broken bone may come through the skin or a missile such as a bullet or shell fragment may go through the flesh and break the bone.

NOTE

An open fracture is contaminated and subject to infection.