What type of fracture involves both a break in the bone and an open wound in the skin?

An open fracture is characterized by both a break in the bone and an associated open wound in the skin. This type of fracture allows for communication between the bone and the external environment, posing higher risks for complications such as infection.

In contrast, a closed fracture refers to a situation where the bone is broken, but the skin remains intact, preventing external exposure. A greenstick fracture is a specific type of incomplete fracture typically seen in children, where the bone bends and cracks on one side without breaking completely through. A simple fracture is a term often used interchangeably with a closed fracture, emphasizing that the bone is fractured without any associated soft tissue or skin injury. Therefore, open fracture is distinctly identified by the presence of both similar characteristics.