Which type of fracture does not break the skin?

A closed or simple fracture is characterized by the fact that the bone is broken but does not penetrate through the skin. This type of fracture remains contained within the body, which helps reduce the risk of infection compared to an open or compound fracture, where the bone protrudes through the skin and can expose the wound to external contaminants.

Closed fractures can vary in severity and may occur in different patterns, including transverse, oblique, or spiral, but the key feature is that the integrity of the skin remains intact. This distinction is critical in medical assessments and treatment plans, as it impacts the healing process and the necessary level of care.

In contrast, open fractures involve a break that has pierced the skin, increasing the risk of complications such as infections. Other types like comminuted fractures, where the bone is shattered into multiple pieces, can still be closed and thus, while related, do not necessarily indicate whether the skin is broken. Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone often resulting from repetitive force but may be considered closed as well. However, the defining characteristic of the simple fracture is its lack of skin involvement, making it the correct choice.