What characterizes a compound fracture?

A compound fracture is characterized by the fact that the bone breaks and protrudes through the skin, which exposes the bone and surrounding tissue to the external environment. This exposure significantly increases the risk of infection, as bacteria and other contaminants from the environment can enter the body through the open wound. Managing a compound fracture often requires surgical intervention to properly clean the wound and stabilize the bone, making it a more complex injury compared to a simple fracture, where the skin remains intact.

The other options describe characteristics that do not align with the definition of a compound fracture. For instance, fractures that do not rupture the skin would be classified as simple fractures. Minor fractures do not take into account the severity and complications associated with a compound fracture. Additionally, while fractures may indeed occur in children, a compound fracture can occur at any age, making the statement about it occurring only in children inaccurate.