Which type of fracture is characterized by a bone breaking through the skin?

An open fracture is characterized by a bone thoroughly breaking through the skin, creating a visible wound at the site of the fracture. This type of injury poses a significant risk of infection, as the fracture exposes the bone and surrounding tissues to the external environment. Open fractures often require immediate medical attention to manage not only the fracture itself but also any potential complications associated with the exposure.

In contrast, a closed fracture does not break through the skin; the bone is fractured but remains contained within the tissues. A greenstick fracture refers specifically to an incomplete fracture that occurs typically in children, where the bone bends and partially breaks. Lastly, a comminuted fracture involves the bone breaking into several pieces, often resulting from severe trauma, but it can be either open or closed depending on whether the skin is broken. Understanding these definitions helps in assessing and managing fractures appropriately in emergency medical situations.