In treating a compound fracture that has broken the skin, which additional treatment is essential?

In the case of a compound fracture, where there is an open wound that has broken through the skin, it is critical to not only address the fracture itself but also to prevent infection and other complications associated with the exposure of bone and tissue to the external environment.

Administering a tetanus vaccine is essential if the patient's immunization status is not current, especially since an open fracture increases the risk of tetanus infection. The administration of systemic antibiotics is also paramount because the broken skin provides an entry point for bacteria, heightening the risk of infection. By using systemic antibiotics, healthcare providers can effectively combat any potential infection that may arise from this type of injury.

While other treatments such as topical antibiotics, wound irrigation, and pain medication may play supportive roles in the overall management of a compound fracture, they do not address the immediate and significant risk of systemic infection as effectively as a tetanus vaccine and systemic antibiotics do. Therefore, this combination is essential in the acute management of a compound fracture.