Which type of fracture is characterized by broken bones protruding through the skin?

A fracture characterized by broken bones protruding through the skin is known as a compound fracture, also called an open fracture. This type of injury is significant because the exposed bone can lead to a higher risk of infection, complications, and requires careful medical treatment to ensure proper healing. The fact that the fracture breaches the skin is critical, as it differentiates it from other types of fractures.

In contrast, a simple fracture, or closed fracture, does not break the skin, and hence, the bone remains enclosed within tissues. A comminuted fracture involves the bone breaking into multiple fragments, which can be severe but does not necessarily mean the skin is pierced. Lastly, a greenstick fracture typically occurs in children and involves a partial fracture where the bone bends and cracks on one side without breaking completely through, which again does not involve skin penetration.