However, the presence of fracture blisters can affect surgical treatment of the broken bone.
Fracture blisters occur in about 2.9% of all fractures that require hospitalization.
These blisters are a sign of significant soft-tissue injury.
Jessica Olah / Verywell
They most often occur over fractures of bones that are near the skin surface.
Fracture blisters tend to worsen when the fracture fragments are able to move, causing further soft-tissue damage.
Inside A Fracture Blister
Blisters are filled with either clear fluid or blood.
The fluid inside the blister depends on the depth of skin involvement.
Popping the blisters and removing the skin is not the proper way to heal a fracture blister.
Treatment of Fracture Blisters
As stated, blisters should be left alone if unruptured.
If a patient has developed fracture blisters, surgery should not be performed through the blistered skin.
Doing surgery through a fracture blister significantly increases the chance of wound complications, including infection.
The blister is thought to represent an indication of traumatic injury to the skin.
Summary
Fracture blisters can be a frightening experience for people who aren’t expecting them to occur.
2020;11(Suppl 1):S171-S173.
2018;10(10):e3509.
2021;10(10):e3509.
