What type of fracture involves bone being splintered into fragments?

A comminuted fracture is characterized by the bone being splintered into multiple fragments, which can vary in size. This type of fracture typically occurs due to high-impact trauma, such as in severe falls or accidents. The fragmented pieces may severely disrupt the bone's integrity and healing process, often requiring surgical intervention to realign the fragments.

In contrast, a greenstick fracture is a partial fracture commonly seen in children where the bone bends and breaks on one side without breaking all the way through. A simple fracture, also known as a closed fracture, involves a clean break without any open wound, but the bone remains in two pieces rather than splintering. A compound fracture, on the other hand, involves the bone breaking through the skin, which can lead to an increased risk of infection but does not necessarily imply that the bone is splintered into fragments. Thus, the distinct feature of a comminuted fracture is the presence of multiple bone fragments, making it the correct answer.