Which fracture is defined as not rupturing the skin?

• A. Compound fracture
• B. Greenstick fracture
• C. Comminuted fracture
• D. Simple fracture

Answer: (D)

Fracture classification by skin integrity is the idea being tested. A simple fracture is defined by the bone being broken while the skin over it remains intact, so there is no rupture or open wound—this is what makes it a closed fracture. That contrast with an open (compound) fracture, where the skin is breached and bone may be exposed, is the key difference the question is pointing to.

Greenstick describes a partial fracture with bending, typical in children; it’s about the fracture pattern rather than whether the skin is broken, and it’s usually still closed. Comminuted means the bone is broken into several pieces, which is about fragmentation and also can be open or closed, but the defining feature here isn’t skin status.