Which type of fracture requires surgical intervention to heal properly?

An open fracture, also known as a compound fracture, is characterized by the broken bone protruding through the skin. This type of fracture typically requires surgical intervention for several crucial reasons.

First, the exposure of bone to the outside environment increases the risk of infection, which can complicate healing and lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly. Surgical intervention allows healthcare professionals to clean the wound thoroughly, debride any nonviable tissue, and stabilize the fracture properly.

In addition, surgical procedures such as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) allow for realignment of the bone fragments and stabilization through the use of hardware such as plates, screws, or rods. This is essential not only for proper healing but also for restoring functionality and minimizing long-term complications, such as malunion or nonunion of the fractured bone.

In contrast, other types of fractures, such as greenstick fractures (which are incomplete fractures often seen in children) and closed fractures (where the skin remains intact), may heal effectively with conservative management techniques such as casting or splinting. Dislocated fractures, while they may require reduction, do not inherently require surgery unless associated with significant instability or other complicating factors. This highlights the unique nature of open fractures and the necessity