A 22-year-old motocross rider has an open mid-shaft tibial fracture contaminated with soil. Bleeding is controlled, distal pulses are present, pain

Question

A 22-year-old motocross rider has an open mid-shaft tibial fracture contaminated with soil. Bleeding is controlled, distal pulses are present, pain is severe and the major trauma centre is 35 minutes away. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Cover with a sterile saline dressing, splint, give analgesia and transfer

Answer

Irrigate the wound thoroughly at scene before splinting

Answer

Apply a tourniquet because the fracture is open

Answer

Delay transfer until oral antibiotics are obtained

Answer

Reduce the fracture repeatedly until the wound closes

Open tibial fracture with contamination — DipIMC MCQ

A 22-year-old motocross rider has an open mid-shaft tibial fracture contaminated with soil. Bleeding is controlled, distal pulses are present, pain is severe and the major trauma centre is 35 minutes away. What is the most appropriate management?