Score: Gustilo classification

Use: Open tibial fractures

Type I

Clean wound smaller < 1 cm in diameter, simple fracture pattern, no skin crushing

Type II

Laceration > 1 cm but without significant soft tissue crushing, including no flaps, degloving or contusion. Fracture pattern may be more complex.

Type III

Open segmental fracture or single fracture with extensive soft tissue injury.
  • IIIA: adequate soft tissue coverage of the fracture, despite high energy trauma or extensive laceration or skin flaps
  • IIIB: inadequate soft tissue coverage with periosteal stripping. Soft tissue reconstruction is necessary.
  • IIIC: any open fracture that is associated with an arterial injury that requires repair
  • Reference

    Classification and Diagnosis in Orthopaedic Trauma. Editors: Rahij Anwar, Kenneth W. R. Tuson, Shah Alam Khan. Cambridge University Press, 2008