What term best describes a fracture where the bone breaks and pierces through the skin?

The term that describes a fracture where the bone breaks and pierces through the skin is known as an open (compound) fracture. This type of fracture is characterized by a break that creates an external wound, allowing bone fragments to be exposed to the surrounding environment. The implications of an open fracture are significant, as it often necessitates more intensive medical treatment to prevent infection and promote healing.

In contrast, a closed (simple) fracture refers to a break where the skin remains intact; the bone may be fractured, but there is no external wound. A stress fracture is typically a small crack in the bone that occurs from repetitive forces or overuse, and it does not involve a complete break, nor does it pierce the skin. A greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture that occurs mostly in children, where the bone bends and fractures on one side without breaking all the way through, similar to bending a green twig.

The defining characteristic of an open (compound) fracture is the exposure of the bone through the skin, highlighting the need for careful management to address both the injury and the potential for complications such as infection.