What is the definition of an open fracture?

An open fracture is defined as a fracture that involves an open wound. This means that not only is there a break in the bone, but the fracture site also penetrates the skin, resulting in an external wound. This type of fracture is significant because it poses a higher risk of infection due to the exposure of bone and surrounding tissue to the external environment. Understanding the definition of an open fracture is crucial for coding and clinical documentation, as it impacts the way these injuries are treated and categorized in medical records.

The other options do not accurately capture the essential characteristic of an open fracture. Descriptions mentioning a break without surrounding tissue injury, a partial break, or a fracture with no displacement do not convey the crucial aspect of the wound being open and accessible, which distinguishes open fractures from closed fractures.