Jharal Yow Yeh's 2012 injury remains a stark example of a compound fracture in the NRL: his tibia and fibula broke severely, and his ankle was dislocated.
The former Brisbane Broncos, Queensland and Australia outside back was hurt contesting a cross-field kick against South Sydney in Perth.
Bone pierced his skin, while cabin-pressure complications on his flight to Brisbane contributed to infection and gangrene.
He underwent ten surgeries and spent about two months in hospital, as efforts to save his foot took priority.
Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary now faces an uncertain career after suffering a double compound fracture of his left ankle in the preliminary final against Newcastle.
With the scores level at six, Cleary attacked near the Knights' tryline five minutes before halftime.
Hooker Phoenix Crossland's hip-drop tackle pinned Cleary's ankle under his weight. Crossland was sent off, and Cleary was taken to hospital for surgery.
Penrith eventually lost to a 12-man Newcastle side in a game described as one of the modern era's most thrilling preliminary finals.
Compound fractures result from high-impact trauma and can involve infection and tissue damage; recovery varies between athletes.