What distinguishes an open fracture from a closed fracture?

An open fracture is characterized by the fact that the bone breaks through the skin, creating a visible wound that exposes the fracture to the external environment. This exposure increases the risk of infection and often requires a more complex treatment approach. Conversely, a closed fracture occurs when the bone is broken but the skin remains intact; there is no external wound, which typically makes the treatment approach simpler and less risky in terms of infection.

The distinction in the nature of the fractures—where one is exposed and the other is contained—significantly impacts management. Open fractures often necessitate immediate medical intervention to clean the wound and prevent infection, while the management of closed fractures can focus primarily on immobilization and pain management without the same level of urgency for surgical intervention. This fundamental difference in exposure and associated risks is what clearly marks the distinction in fracture type.