Which type of fracture occurs when there is a break in the bone with an external wound?

A compound fracture is characterized by a break in the bone that is accompanied by an external wound leading to the bone being exposed through the skin. This type of fracture often results from high-energy trauma and carries a higher risk of complications, such as infection, due to the open nature of the wound. The exposure allows pathogens direct access to the bone and surrounding tissue, making management of this injury more complex.

The other types of fractures do not involve an external wound. A complete fracture describes a bone that has broken into two or more pieces but can be either open or closed. A closed fracture is when the bone is broken, but the skin remains intact. Similarly, a simple fracture is often used interchangeably with closed fractures to indicate a fracture without an injury to the skin. In contrast, the defining characteristic of a compound fracture is indeed the presence of an open wound, highlighting its distinct nature and the need for careful medical intervention to prevent complications.