A closed fracture, also known as a simple fracture, is a broken bone where the skin remains intact. The bone breaks, but there's no open wound or break in the skin.
Understanding Closed Fractures
A closed fracture is a common type of bone injury. The break can range from a small crack (hairline fracture) to a complete break in the bone. Importantly, because the skin is not broken, the risk of infection is significantly lower compared to an open fracture.
Characteristics of Closed Fractures:
- Intact Skin: This is the defining characteristic. The skin covering the broken bone remains unbroken.
- Variety of Break Types: Closed fractures can occur in many ways, including:
- Transverse: The break is straight across the bone.
- Oblique: The break is at an angle.
- Comminuted: The bone is broken into more than two pieces.
- Spiral: The break spirals around the bone, often seen in twisting injuries.
- Greenstick: A partial fracture; the bone bends and cracks, but doesn't break completely (common in children).
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam and imaging studies, such as X-rays. Treatment depends on the severity and location of the fracture and may involve immobilization with a cast or splint, surgery, or other methods.
Reference Information: When a fracture happens, it's classified as either open or closed: Open fracture (compound fracture): The bone pokes through the skin and can be seen. Or a deep wound exposes the bone through the skin. Closed fracture (simple fracture). The bone is broken, but the skin is intact.
