A compound fracture is a
traumatic breach in the continuity of the bone which communicates with the skin
wound. When it communicates with a body cavity which opens into external
environment (paranasal sinuses) it is called internally compound.
Classification (Gustillo)
Treatment and outcome depends on
this
Type I Small wound, less
than 1cm, through which the bone has protruded and usually retracted.
Minimal soft
tissue damage
Type II Wound >1cm long
Moderate soft
tissue damage and contamination
Type III Large wound considerable contamination
Extensive soft
tissue damage. High energy injury
A –Bone can be
covered with soft tissue
B – Bone cannot
be covered with soft tissue
C – Any fracture
associated with major vascular injury
