How long does it take to recover from a compound fracture?

Generally speaking, a fracture may need as little as 4-6 weeks for the bone to heal. Compound fractures, however, are much more complicated and may take several more weeks or months to properly heal.

How serious is a compound leg fracture?

Compound fractures are extremely painful. It may also be frightening to see your bone exposed. A fracture is a serious injury, and you should immediately go to the emergency department for help.

How would you describe a compound fracture?

An open fracture, also called a compound fracture, is a fracture in which there is an open wound or break in the skin near the site of the broken bone. Most often, this wound is caused by a fragment of bone breaking through the skin at the moment of the injury.

Why is there severe pain with a compound fracture?

A compound fracture has either punctured the skin or exposed the bone, which means it’s extremely painful. Even without attempting to move the injured body part, you will feel persistent pain with a compound fracture. In addition, you may not be able to move the affected area.

Can you play football after a compound fracture?

Generally return to play requires a fracture to heal completely and in the proper position and alignment. The athlete must regain full motion, strength and function. This process applies whether or not a fracture requires surgery.

How do you dress a compound fracture?

If it is an open fracture, cover the wound with a sterile dressing or a clean non-fluffy cloth. Apply pressure around the wound and not over the protruding bone, to control any bleeding. Then secure the dressing with a bandage. Advise the casualty to keep still while you support the injured part to stop it from moving.

Is a fracture a pathology?

A pathologic fracture is a break in a bone that is caused by an underlying disease. At the Spine Hospital at the Neurological Institute of New York, we specialize in pathologic fractures of vertebrae, or bones of the spine. For the most part, bones need a reason to break–for example, a significant trauma.

Is a compound fracture an emergency?

Compound fractures are urgent situations because of the high risk of infection, tissue damage, and healing complications. All high-energy fractures, including compound fractures, are at risk for another serious associated condition called compartment syndrome.

What is the best painkiller for broken bones?

To reduce pain and inflammation, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or a combination of the two. If you’re experiencing severe pain, your doctor might prescribe stronger pain medications.

Is Dak out of surgery?

Cowboys stars past, present offer well wishes to Dak Prescott after season-ending injury. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott remains ahead of schedule in his recovery from ankle surgery in October to repair a compound fracture and dislocation.