What is an open fracture also known as?

An open fracture is also known as a compound fracture because it involves a break in the bone that punctures the skin, exposing the bone to the outside environment. This type of fracture presents a higher risk of infection and other complications due to the direct communication between the bone and the outside environment. The term "compound" highlights the complexity of the injury compared to simpler forms of fractures, where the skin remains intact. Understanding this terminology is essential for paramedics, as it informs treatment decisions, such as the need for sterile techniques and potential surgical intervention.

In contrast, a simple fracture refers to a bone break without any skin disruption, while stress fractures are small cracks in the bone usually due to repetitive stress. Compression fractures typically occur in vertebral bones, often as a result of osteoporosis or trauma, and are distinct from open or compound fractures.