What might be the result of a fracture in terms of physical appearance?

A fracture can often lead to a visible deformity due to the misalignment of the broken bone fragments. When a bone breaks, the normal anatomy is disrupted, which can cause the affected area to appear out of place, swollen, or distorted. This distortion may be noticeable as an abnormal angle or bulge, indicating that something is wrong with the bone structure underneath the skin. In some cases, you might also see bruising or swelling around the fracture site, further contributing to the visible signs of injury.

The other options reflect misconceptions about the effects of a fracture. For instance, a fracture typically does not improve structural integrity, nor does it allow for complete restoration of function immediately after the injury; recovery often takes time and appropriate treatment. Similarly, a fracture does not result in increased flexibility at the joint; rather, it could restrict movement due to pain or instability. Thus, a visible deformity is the most common and significant physical appearance resulting from a fracture.