Which type of fracture occurs when the bone is displaced inward?

A depressed fracture occurs when a bone is displaced inward, typically in the context of skull fractures. This type of fracture results in a portion of the bone being pushed below the normal level of the skull, often due to the impact of a force. It contrasts with other types of fractures; for instance, a burst fracture involves the bone fragments being forced outward, usually caused by forceful impacts or trauma. A comminuted fracture features the bone being broken into multiple pieces, rather than simply displaced. An open fracture, also known as a compound fracture, occurs when a bone pierces through the skin, which is different than the inward displacement characteristic of a depressed fracture. Therefore, the correct identification of a depressed fracture highlights the specific mechanism and outcome of the injury as it relates to inward bone displacement.