Compound fracture
A fracture in which the bone is sticking through the skin.
Also called an open fracture.
NTER><IMG height=310 alt='Typical Bone Fractures illustration - Compound fracture' src='http://images.medicinenet.com/images/illustrations/typical_fractures.jpg' width=480></CENTER> </P> Note that a 'comminuted fracture' in which the bone is fragmented is distinguished from a 'compound fracture.'