What is the term for a fracture where the broken bone does not protrude through the skin?

The correct term for a fracture where the broken bone does not protrude through the skin is referred to as a closed fracture. In this type of fracture, the skin remains intact, which means there is no external wound or exposure of the bone. This is significant as closed fractures generally involve less risk of infection than open fractures, where the bone breaks through the skin. The classification of fractures is important for diagnosis, treatment planning, and understanding the potential complications associated with different types of breaks.

Open fractures, on the other hand, involve a break where the bone is exposed, increasing the risk of infection and complications. Comminuted fractures consist of the bone breaking into multiple pieces, and greenstick fractures are incomplete fractures that occur typically in children, where the bone bends and cracks on one side but does not break all the way through. Understanding these terms helps in effective communication regarding patient care and treatment protocols in medical settings.