An open fracture is treated with a combination of antibiotics and surgery to prevent infection and stabilize the bone.
Here's a breakdown of the typical treatment approach:
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Antibiotics: Prompt administration of antibiotics is crucial to reduce the risk of infection. According to the available information, you need antibiotics as soon as possible to reduce your chances of developing a dangerous infection.
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Surgery: Surgical intervention is usually required to:
- Clean the wound: Thorough cleaning to remove debris and contaminants.
- Set the bone: Stabilize the fracture, often using internal fixation (plates, screws, rods) or external fixation.
- Close the wound: Repairing the soft tissues and skin. The reference states that In most cases, you will also need surgery to set the broken bone and close the wound.
In summary, open fracture treatment involves aggressive infection control with antibiotics and surgical stabilization and wound management.
