What type of fracture is indicated by the term "compound"?

The term "compound" in the context of fractures refers to an open fracture. This type of fracture involves a break in the bone that results in the bone protruding through the skin, creating an open wound. This is significant because an open fracture poses a higher risk of infection due to direct exposure of the bone to external environments.

In contrast, a closed fracture refers to a situation where the bone is broken but there is no disruption of the skin's integrity. Comminuted fractures involve the bone breaking into multiple pieces, while greenstick fractures are incomplete breaks that occur typically in children, where the bone bends and cracks on one side but does not break fully across. Thus, the definition of a compound fracture aligns specifically with the notion of it being open, highlighting its importance in trauma and subsequent medical treatment.