What is a compound fracture?

What is a compound fracture?

• A. A broken bone pierced the skin and increases the risk of infection
• B. A fracture that only involves the outer layer of bone
• C. A break that occurs without any skin penetration
• D. A fracture with complete recovery without complications

Answer: (A)

A compound fracture, also known as an open fracture, occurs when a broken bone breaks the skin, leading to exposure of the bone and increasing the risk of infection. This external environment can introduce bacteria into the wound, making treatment more complex. In contrast, a fracture that involves only the outer layer of bone refers to a different type of injury and does not define the characteristic of a compound fracture. Similarly, a fracture that does not penetrate the skin is classified as a closed fracture, while one that recovers completely without complications does not pertain to the definition of a compound fracture specifically.

A compound fracture, also known as an open fracture, occurs when a broken bone breaks the skin, leading to exposure of the bone and increasing the risk of infection. This external environment can introduce bacteria into the wound, making treatment more complex. In contrast, a fracture that involves only the outer layer of bone refers to a different type of injury and does not define the characteristic of a compound fracture. Similarly, a fracture that does not penetrate the skin is classified as a closed fracture, while one that recovers completely without complications does not pertain to the definition of a compound fracture specifically.