What is the term for any break in a bone where the overlying skin is not broken?

A break in a bone where the overlying skin remains intact is referred to as a closed fracture. This type of fracture is characterized by the absence of an open wound, which differentiates it from compound fractures, where the bone breaks through the skin. In clinical settings, understanding the distinction between closed and open fractures is crucial for treatment and management, as well as for assessing the risk of infection, which is higher in open fractures due to exposure of bone to the external environment. The closed fracture designation indicates that while the bone is fractured, there is less immediate concern for infection, and the focus can primarily be on stabilizing the fracture and managing pain.