The Different Types of Open Fractures

The shurrin classification for open fractures classifies these injuries into grades 1, 2, 3 or 4. Antibiotics should be initiated as soon as possible with an increased infection rate being noted when antibiotics are delayed greater than 3 hours from the time of the injury. Remember that a tetanus booster should be given if the patient is not up to date and has not had a booster in the last 5 years. A CT scan may be indicated for periarticular injuries and for evaluation of the traumatic arthrotomy of the knee.