Table 2 Gustilo-Anderson Classification of Open Fractures
Open fracture type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
Type I | Clean wound smaller than 1 cm in diameter, simple fracture pattern, no skin crushing. |
Type II | A laceration larger than 1 cm but without significant soft tissue crushing, including no flaps, degloving, or contusion. Fracture pattern may be more complex. |
Type III | An open segmental fracture or a single fracture with extensive soft tissue injury. Also included are injuries older than 8 hours. Type III injuries are subdivided into three types. |
Type IIIA | Adequate soft tissue coverage of the fracture despite high energy trauma or extensive laceration or skin flaps. |
Type IIIB | Inadequate soft tissue coverage with periosteal stripping. Soft tissue reconstruction is usually necessary. |
Type IIIC | Any open fracture that is associated with an arterial injury that requires repair. |