What is an open or compound fracture?

An open or compound fracture is characterized by the skin being broken, which allows the bone to protrude through the skin. This type of fracture not only involves a break in the bone but also poses a higher risk of infection due to the exposure of bone to the external environment. The visible aspect of the injury sets it apart from other types of fractures, where the skin remains intact. In addition to the initial trauma, management of an open fracture typically requires careful consideration for both stabilization of the fracture and prevention of infection, often leading to surgical intervention to clean the wound and properly align the bone.

In contrast, the other options reference different types of fractures or conditions. For instance, a broken bone without a skin break refers to a closed fracture, which involves no external exposure and typically has a lower risk of infection. A fracture that is not visible indicates a potential stress fracture or hairline fracture that might not be detectable without imaging, while a fracture requiring surgery encompasses a wider range of injuries and does not specifically identify the nature of an open fracture characterized by skin involvement.