How does an open fracture differ from a closed fracture?

There are different grades of bone fractures due to trauma. Two broad categories are open and closed fractures. The open fracture is when the bone has penetrated the skin and is now exposed at the site of the wound. This usually occurs as a result of severe trauma that needs to be assessed immediately. Closed fracture is when the bone does not penetrate the skin.

However, there are different degrees to this as well. Many of our day to day fractures are closed fracture. They occur in a variety of different degrees and can have variable consequences according to the structures involved.