Final answer:
An open fracture, or compound fracture, involves a break in the bone with an open wound. It is a more severe type of fracture that requires immediate medical attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
An open fracture, also known as a compound fracture, is a type of fracture where there is a break in the bone with an open wound. This means that the broken bone has penetrated through the skin. It carries a high risk of infection due to the open wound.
Open fractures require immediate medical attention and may require surgery to clean the wound and reset the bone. They are more severe than closed fractures, where the broken bone does not break through the skin.