4. Deformity
A compound fracture can result in a visible, physical deformity. This is caused because the bone will protrude at an angle it doesn’t normally, resulting in an unusual shape or bulge affecting the area. What’s more, is that you might notice that a limb bends in an unusual direction, or that there is a concave element on an otherwise flat bone. Swelling can further compound the problem, as can scarring.
The nature of the deformity will depend on the type of bone affected. Rest assured that in most cases, the bone can be reset and the deformity can be corrected.
If the bone doesn’t fully penetrate the skin, then it won’t be considered a compound fracture. However, you can still identify the severe break by the way that the bone pushes against the skin from underneath.