What defines a closed fracture?

A closed fracture is characterized by the condition that the bone is indeed broken, but importantly, the skin over the fracture site remains intact. This distinction is crucial in understanding the differences between types of fractures, particularly when it comes to risk of complications and the methods of treatment.

In some fractures, also known as open fractures, the broken bone may puncture the skin, which can lead to an increased risk of infection and other complications. Closed fractures, on the other hand, do not have this same concern, making them generally easier to manage in a clinical setting, as the wound's healing process does not involve the skin. Additionally, while some fractures may result in the bone being crushed into small fragments, that description aligns with a comminuted fracture rather than a closed fracture. Thus, the correct definition highlighting the integrity of the skin surrounding the broken bone is what makes option B the right choice.