Definition: A closed fracture is a broken bone that does not penetrate the skin. This is an important distinction because when a broken bone penetrates the skin there is a need for more immediate treatment, and an operation is often required to clean the area of the fracture. Furthermore, because of the risk of infection, there are more often problems associated with healing when a fracture is open to the skin.
Closed Fracture
By Jonathan Cluett, M.D., About.com Guide
Created: July 31, 2003
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
Broken Bone Information
Broken Bone Treatment
Open Reduction, Internal FixationExternal FixationIM Rodding
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