Fracture Blisters

Fracture blisters are a relatively uncommon complication of fractures in locations of the body, such as the ankle, wrist elbow and foot, where skin adheres tightly to bone with little subcutaneous fat cushioning. The blister that results resembles that of a second degree burn.These blisters signific...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Uebbing, Claire M, Walsh, Mark, Miller, Joseph B, Abraham, Mathew, Arnold, Clifford
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: eScholarship Publishing, University of California 2011-02-01
Series:Western Journal of Emergency Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:http://escholarship.org/uc/item/17s4v4hp
Description
Summary:Fracture blisters are a relatively uncommon complication of fractures in locations of the body, such as the ankle, wrist elbow and foot, where skin adheres tightly to bone with little subcutaneous fat cushioning. The blister that results resembles that of a second degree burn.These blisters significantly alter treatment, making it difficult to splint or cast and often overlying ideal surgical incision sites. Review of the literature reveals no consensus on management; however, most authors agree on early treatment prior to blister formation or delay until blister resolution before attempting surgical correction or stabilization. [West J Emerg Med. 2011;12(1);131-133.]
ISSN:1936-900X
1936-9018