Table 1: Gustillo classification for open fractures.
| Gustillo and Anderson classification | |
| Grade I | Clean skin opening of < 1 cm, usually from inside to outside; minimal muscle contusion; simple transverse or short oblique fractures |
| Grade II | Laceration > 1 cm long, with extensive soft tissue damage; minimal to moderate crushing component; simple transverse or short oblique fractures with minimal comminution. |
| Grade III | Extensive soft tissue damage, including muscles, skin and neurovascular structures: Often a high energy injury with severe crushing component. |
| Grade IIIA | Extensive soft tissue laceration, adequate bone coverage; segmental fractures, gunshot injuries, minimal periosteal stripping. |
| Grade IIIB | Extensive soft tissue injury with periosteal stripping and bone exposure requiring soft tissue flap closure; usually associated with massive contamination |
| Grade IIIC | Vascular injury requiring repair. |