Complication in the Fracture of the Extremities

, Chung Nam Kang

Original Article

Korean Journal of Legal Medicine 1980;4(1):93-95.

Department of Orthopaedics, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University

Abstract

Cardinal signs of the fracture are common knowledge and roentgenograms usually provide confirmation as well as characterization of the bone injury. However the obvious nature of the bone and joint injury draws the attention of the doctor from more subtle signs of impending trouble, whether early or delayed. When considering a patient with a fracture, one should be aware that probability of other complicating injury is related to the location of the fracture and the mechanism of fracture. The doctor who is involved with the management of the injured patient must train one's senses, not only to evaluation the extend of musculoskeletal injury, but also to be aware of the potential complication, general and local, that may develop. Fractures are rarely fatal of even disabling in the long run. The objective of this paper is to outline the local complication that may be encounter in emergency care, process of bone union, rehabilitation of fractured patient. The point is that most complication, can be avoided or correction by proper treatment. A knowledge of potential complication enabes the doctor to assure himself that all aspect of a given situation have been considered, so that a course of therapy can be pursued with confidence that the ultimate outcome will be optimal.