8/6/2019 Open Fracture Grading

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DISCLAIMER: These guidelines were prepared by the Division of Trauma and Critical

Care at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Department of Surgery. Theyare intended to serve only as a guideline based on current review of medical literature and

practice. They are neither policies nor protocols. Recommendations and decision-making

for a specific patient lie with the physician and staff caring for that particular patient.

Open Fracture Grading

Grade I: Small skin laceration by tip of spiral fracture

Grade II: Small to moderate, well circumscribed wound

No significant tissue necrosis

Grade IIIA: Longer laceration with significant contused or non-viable tissueAfter debridement, delayed suture of split thickness skin graft(STSG) can close wound

Grade IIIB: Extensive soft tissue wound with crushLocal or free muscle flap required

Grade IIIC: An open fracture with vascular injury that requires vacular repair to salvage thelimb

Grade IV: Total or subtotal amputation