A compound fracture is a type of bone break where the broken bone pierces through the skin, creating an open wound. This injury can occur due to high-impact trauma, such as a fall or car accident, and is often accompanied by severe pain and swelling. Because the skin is broken, there is a higher risk of infection, making immediate medical attention essential. Treatment typically involves realigning the bone and may require surgery to clean the wound and stabilize the fracture with hardware like plates or screws. Proper care is crucial for healing and preventing complications.