A common concern arises after a bone injury: can a broken bone cause a fever? Understanding the specific relationship between a fracture and an elevated temperature helps clarify when medical attention is most urgent. This article explores this concern, distinguishing between expected responses to injury and signs of complications.
The Direct Link
A broken bone itself does not typically cause a fever. Fever usually signals an immune response, often to infection or significant systemic inflammation. While the trauma of a broken bone can cause a slight, temporary elevation in body temperature due to the body’s stress response and localized inflammation, this is generally not considered a true fever. A true fever is typically defined as a body temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) when measured orally.
The initial injury triggers an inflammatory process as the body heals, leading to localized warmth, swelling, and pain around the fracture site. This localized response is a natural part of healing and differs from a widespread systemic fever. While severe inflammation from a broken bone can sometimes cause a low-grade fever, a persistent or high fever usually points to other underlying issues.
Associated Causes of Fever
While a broken bone does not directly cause a fever, several associated conditions or complications can lead to an elevated body temperature. These often require prompt medical evaluation.
Infection is a primary concern, especially with open fractures where the bone breaks through the skin. Bacteria can enter the wound, leading to bone infection (osteomyelitis) or surrounding tissues, which triggers a fever. Even after fracture surgery, a low risk of infection exists at the surgical site. Symptoms of bone infection include increased pain, warmth, redness, swelling, pus from the wound, and systemic signs like fever, chills, or sweats.
Severe trauma, such as a major fracture, can trigger a widespread inflammatory response throughout the body, known as Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS). This reaction can lead to a low-grade fever as the immune system becomes highly activated. While a normal response to injury, exaggerated SIRS can sometimes indicate a more severe condition.
Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a rare but serious complication, particularly after long bone fractures like the femur. This occurs when fat particles from bone marrow enter the bloodstream, causing widespread inflammation and potentially affecting the lungs, brain, and skin. Fever is a recognized symptom of FES, often appearing alongside shortness of breath, confusion, and a characteristic rash.
Immobility following a fracture can increase the risk of developing blood clots, specifically deep vein thrombosis (DVT). While fever is not a primary DVT symptom, a low-grade fever can sometimes occur due to the inflammatory response associated with clot formation. These clots can be dangerous if they travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.
A fever in a person with a broken bone could also stem from other concurrent injuries or unrelated infections. For instance, a patient might have sustained other injuries during the traumatic event, or developed an unrelated viral or bacterial infection. It is important to consider all possibilities when a fever develops after a bone injury.
When to Seek Medical Care
Any fever following a broken bone warrants medical evaluation, as it could signal a complication rather than a normal healing process. Seek immediate medical attention if the fever is high, generally above 100.4°F (38°C), or persistent. A medical professional can assess the cause and determine the appropriate course of action.
Other concerning symptoms necessitating prompt medical care include increasing pain, new or worsening redness, warmth, or swelling around the injury site. Pus draining from the wound, chills, or night sweats also strongly indicate a potential infection requiring urgent treatment. Any new or unexpected symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or changes in mental state, should be reported to a healthcare provider without delay.