Complications of fractures
by Vela Njisane & Phinda Njisane
Learning objective
- List and understand the common complications of fractures.
Life-threatening complications
Life-threatening complications can include massive haemorrhage, mainly in femur and pelvic ring fractures or fractures with injuries to large vessels. In hip fractures, life-threatening complications are often due to sequela of immobility such as pneumonia or thromboembolic disease.
Acute complications
Acute complications can include injuries to structures such as nerves and vessels (neurovascular injuries), the skin and soft tissue integument (degloving injuries and open fractures, fracture blisters) and compartment syndrome.
- Nerve injuries
- Vascular injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Compartment syndrome
- Fracture blisters (see below)
Chronic or delayed complications
- Infections (osteomyelitis)
- Delayed, non- or malunion
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Complex regional pain syndrome
Complications of peri- and intra-articular fractures
Avascular necrosis
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Stiffness
- Heterotopic ossification
References
Modified images
Fracture blisters. Available from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:Fracture_blisters.jpg
Non-union. Available from: https:// commons. wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ganglio_ intraosseo.png
