Gustilo-Anderson Classification (Open Fractures)
1.0.0Grades open fractures by wound size, contamination, soft-tissue damage/coverage, and vascular injury (I, II, IIIA, IIIB, IIIC). Drives antibiotic choice, timing of debridement, and reconstructive needs. Final grade is intraoperative.
Also searched as: trauma · soft tissue · infection
Information
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- Please provide: Gustilo-Anderson grade.
How this tool works
Gustilo and Anderson’s system (refined 1984 for type III subtypes) remains the dominant language for open-fracture severity. Type I and II are smaller, cleaner wounds with limited soft-tissue injury. Type III denotes high-energy injury; IIIA retains adequate soft-tissue coverage despite extensive damage, IIIB requires flap coverage for exposed bone, and IIIC includes arterial injury needing repair. Infection risk and amputation rates rise steeply with grade. Classification is finalized in the operating room after debridement.
References
- Radiopaedia — Gustilo and Anderson classification of open fractures
- Kim PH, Leopold SS. Gustilo-Anderson Classification (Clin Orthop / PMC)
Implemented from the cited published sources. Educational use only; confirm against current guidelines before clinical use.
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