What is it called when a bone is protruding through the skin?

When a bone protrudes through the skin, it is known as a compound fracture. This type of fracture involves an open wound where the broken bone sections can be seen outside the body, increasing the risk of infection and other complications compared to other types of fractures.

In contrast, a simple fracture, or closed fracture, refers to a situation where the bone breaks but there is no break in the skin, meaning the bone is still contained within the body. A hairline fracture is a specific type of stress injury resulting in a thin crack in the bone, but it does not involve the bone breaking through the skin. Therefore, a compound fracture is defined by the presence of an external wound, making it distinct from these other types of fractures. Understanding these definitions is essential for recognizing the severity of bone injuries and the appropriate treatment needed.