What is another term for a closed fracture?

A closed fracture is commonly referred to as a simple fracture. This terminology is used to indicate that the bone has broken but remains contained within the surrounding soft tissues; the skin is not pierced. In contrast, a compound fracture, also known as an open fracture, occurs when the broken bone protrudes through the skin, leading to a higher risk of infection and complications. The term "complex" does not typically apply in this context and can be used in different medical scenarios but is not a standard term for describing fractures. Understanding these distinctions helps in recognizing how fractures are classified based on severity and the extent of injury to surrounding tissues.