Compound fracture is a medical term used to describe a broken bone that protrudes through the skin. The spelling of this word can be explained using the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈkɑm.paʊnd ˈfræk.tʃər/. The first syllable, "com", is pronounced with a long "o" sound and the second syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound. The word "compound" is used to indicate that the bone has broken in more than one place. The pronunciation of "fracture" is straightforward, with a short "a" sound in the first syllable and a long "u" sound in the second syllable.
A compound fracture, also known as an open fracture, refers to a severe type of bone fracture where the broken bone pierces through the skin and protrudes externally. This medical condition occurs when both the skin and underlying soft tissues surrounding the broken bone are disrupted, resulting in an open wound. The term "compound" signifies the presence of this open wound, making it different from a simple or closed fracture where the skin remains intact.
Compound fractures are often caused by high-impact traumas such as falls, sports injuries, vehicular accidents, or any forceful blow to the bone. This type of fracture is notorious for its potential complications and risks, mainly due to the exposure of the broken bone to external contaminants, leading to a higher risk of infection. Moreover, the open wound can cause excessive bleeding and damage to nearby nerves, blood vessels, or other vital structures.
Immediate medical attention is crucial for individuals with compound fractures to reduce the risk of associated complications. Prompt diagnosis, wound cleansing, debridement, and stabilization procedures are necessary to minimize infection, restore bone alignment, and promote optimal healing. Surgical intervention is often required to realign and stabilize the broken bone using methods such as internal fixation, external fixation, or the insertion of screws, plates, or rods.
In summary, a compound fracture is a severe bone fracture where the broken bone penetrates the skin, resulting in an open wound. This type of fracture requires immediate medical attention and surgical intervention to prevent infection, reduce damage to surrounding structures, and facilitate proper healing.
One in which there is an open wound of the soft parts leading down to the seat of fracture.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "compound fracture" originated from the late Latin term "compositus", meaning "put together" or "arranged". This term later transitioned into Middle English as "compounden", which had the same meaning.
In medical terminology, the word "compound" refers to a fracture where the broken bone punctures through the skin, creating an open wound. This type of fracture was called "compound" due to the compound nature of the injury, involving both the broken bone and the open wound. The word "fracture" comes from the Latin word "frangere", meaning "to break". Hence, the term "compound fracture" describes a broken bone that has pierced through the skin, causing an open wound in addition to the fracture itself.