Why is osteomyelitis more likely to occur after a compound fracture than after a greenstick fracture?

Osteomyelitis is more likely to occur after a compound fracture because a compound fracture exposes the bone and surrounding tissues to external bacteria, creating a direct pathway for infection. In contrast, a greenstick fracture, which is an incomplete fracture common in children, typically involves a bending of the bone without breaking through the skin, thus maintaining a barrier against pathogens. The open nature of compound fractures increases the risk of infection significantly compared to the closed nature of greenstick fractures.