A compound fracture, also known as an open fracture, is a type of bone fracture that is accompanied by breaks in the skin, causing the broken ends of bone to come into contact with the outside environment. This type of fracture is extremely painful and urgent medical attention is required due to the high risk of infection, tissue damage, and healing complications. The severity of a compound fracture depends on multiple factors, such as the degree of damage to the bone and the surrounding soft tissues, the degree of wound contamination, and whether or not there is any disruption of the major blood vessels to that part of the body. Compound fractures are usually caused by high-energy accidents, such as car accidents, falls from a significant height, or sports injuries.

Some key features of a compound fracture include:

• Visible bone: A compound fracture is visible through the skin, and the broken bone can be seen outside the body.
• Pain: A compound fracture is extremely painful, and the patient may experience severe, sharp pain.
• Swelling and bruising: The affected area may be swollen and bruised.
• Bleeding: A compound fracture may cause bleeding due to the wound.
• Nerve damage: Nerve damage may occur, which may make the pain less or more severe than expected.

Diagnosis of a compound fracture involves a physical examination by a medical professional, and an X-ray is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for a compound fracture depends on the severity of the injury, but usually involves stabilizing the broken bone with a cast or splint to allow it to heal. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair the limb or joint. Complications that may occur after a compound fracture include skin damage due to the piercing of bone at the ...