Table 1.

Gustilo classification of open fractures²

Grade I <1 cm wound due to bone protrusion or low-velocity penetrating injury

Grade II >1 cm wound without extensive soft tissue injury

Grade III >10 cm wound with extensive soft tissue injury

Grade IIIA Adequate soft tissue coverage of fractured bone

Grade IIIB Significant soft tissue loss with exposed bone that requires soft tissue transfer to achieve coverage

Grade IIIC Associated vascular injury that requires repair for limb preservation

Adapted from Hoff WS, Bonadies JA, Cachecho R, Dorlac WC. EAST Practice Management Guidelines Work Group: update to practice management guidelines for prophylactic antibiotic use in open fractures; 2008.¹