Definition

Noun: A type of bone fracture where the broken bone pierces through the skin, creating an open wound. This exposes the bone and the fracture site to the external environment, significantly increasing the risk of infection.

Usage

A "compound fracture" is a specific medical term used to describe a severe injury. It is often contrasted with a "simple" or "closed fracture," where the bone breaks but does not penetrate the skin.

Examples

• The motorcyclist suffered a compound fracture of his femur in the accident.
• Compound fractures require immediate surgical intervention to clean the wound and stabilize the bone.
• Due to the risk of infection, antibiotics are always administered for a compound fracture.

Advanced Usage

• The term is sometimes used metaphorically to describe a problem that is complex and has multiple damaging components.
  • The economic crisis was a compound fracture for the nation, combining unemployment, inflation, and political instability.

Variants and Related Words

• Open fracture: A direct synonym for "compound fracture."
• Closed fracture / Simple fracture: The antonym, where the skin remains intact over the break.
• Comminuted fracture: A fracture where the bone is shattered into several pieces (this can be either open or closed).

Synonyms

• Open fracture

Antonyms

• Closed fracture
• Simple fracture

Related Phrases

• To compound a problem: To make a problem worse by adding another factor. While related in concept of "adding more damage," this verbal use of "compound" is distinct from the medical term "compound fracture."
  • His lies only served to compound the problem.

Noun

1. bone fracture associated with lacerated soft tissue or an open wound