A fracture that causes significant displacement but does not break through the skin is classified as what?

The classification of a fracture largely depends on whether or not the skin is broken and the nature of the fracture itself. A fracture that causes significant displacement but does not break through the skin is classified as a closed fracture. This type of fracture is often characterized by the bone being broken but remaining beneath the integrity of the skin, meaning there is no external wound present.

In a closed fracture, while there may be considerable displacement of the bone fragments, the surrounding soft tissues and skin are intact. This distinction is important in terms of treatment and healing; closed fractures generally have less risk of infection compared to open fractures, where there is an external wound.

Other options may refer to different characteristics or types of fractures; for instance, an open fracture involves bone exposure through the skin, whereas a comminuted fracture consists of the bone breaking into multiple pieces, and a greenstick fracture is a type of incomplete fracture common in children where the bone bends and cracks, but does not fully break. Understanding these classifications is crucial for diagnosis and treatment in the medical field.