ABSTRACT
A fracture is a break in the structural continuity of bone. It may be no more than a crack, a crumpling or a splintering of the cortex; more often the break is complete and the bone fragments are displaced. If the overlying skin remains intact it is a closed (or simple) fracture; if the skin or one of the body cavities is breached it is an open (or compound) fracture, liable to contamination and infection.
