What term best describes a fracture that has healed in an incorrect position?

The term that best describes a fracture that has healed in an incorrect position is "malunion." When a fracture occurs, proper alignment and positioning are crucial for successful healing. If the bone heals in a misaligned manner, resulting in an abnormal shape or angle, it is referred to as malunion. This improper healing can lead to functional impairments, pain, or further complications, requiring additional medical intervention, such as re-alignment or surgery.

In contrast, nonunion refers to a situation where the fractured bone fails to heal completely, leading to a persistent gap. A displaced fracture is characterized by the bone fragments being misaligned at the fracture site, but it does not specifically address the healing outcome. Closed fractures indicate that the skin is not broken, which is irrelevant to how the fracture has healed. Thus, malunion is the most accurate term for this specific scenario.