What distinguishes an open fracture from a closed fracture?

An open fracture is characterized by the fact that the broken bone penetrates the skin, creating an external wound. This breaches the integrity of the skin and exposes the bone to the external environment, making the injury more vulnerable to infection and other complications. In contrast, a closed fracture occurs when the bone breaks but the skin remains intact, providing a barrier against infection and reducing the potential for complications associated with exposure.

This distinction is crucial in understanding the severity of bone injuries and the urgency of treatment required. Open fractures often necessitate more immediate care, including potential surgical intervention to clean the site and stabilize the fracture, due to the risk of infection and greater overall damage to surrounding tissues.