Open joint injury

Classification

• Type I: single penetration with out extensive soft tissue damage
• Type II: Single or multiple penetrations with extensive soft tissue distruptions (flapsm avulsions, or degloving)
• Type III: open periarticular fractures with extension through the adjacent intraarticular surface
• Type IV: open dislocations or those with associated nerve or vascular injury requiring repair

Management

• Perioperative antibiotics until 24 to 48 hours postoperative
• See also Antibiotic prophylaxis for open fractures

Further Reading

• Open joint injuries. Classification and treatment. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1989(243):48-56. PMID: 2721074