AAPC Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Master Professional Coding Certification!

A closed fracture is characterized by the fact that it does not involve a break in the skin, which means the bone breaks underneath the skin without creating an open wound. This distinction is crucial in medical terminology, as it helps guide the management and treatment protocols for the injury.

When a fracture is closed, the surrounding soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and skin are intact, reducing the risk of further complications, such as infection, which is more frequent in open fractures where the skin is broken. Understanding this concept is vital for health professionals when assessing the severity of a fracture and determining an appropriate treatment plan.

The other options describe conditions and scenarios that either define different types of fractures (like open fractures which involve a skin break), possible complications (such as internal bleeding), or treatment approaches (surgical intervention), but none of these elements define what a closed fracture is.