How is a closed fracture characterized?

A closed fracture is characterized by the fact that the bone is broken, but there is no open wound in the skin over the fracture site. This distinction is important because it affects the potential for infection and the overall treatment approach. In closed fractures, the injury is contained beneath the skin, which typically allows for a different protocol in managing the injury compared to an open fracture, where the bone ends may expose surrounding tissue to external contaminants.

Overall, closed fractures involve an intact skin surface, making them less prone to complications associated with open wounds, such as infections. Understanding this difference helps first responders determine the appropriate care and potential interventions for a patient who has sustained this type of injury.