According to the Gustilo classification, which of the following findings is characteristic of a Type II open fracture?

## Gustilo Type II Open Fracture Characteristics **Key Point:** Type II open fractures are defined by a **laceration >1 cm with moderate contamination and possible periosteal stripping**, representing an intermediate severity between Type I and Type III. ### Gustilo Classification Overview | Type | Wound Size | Soft Tissue Injury | Contamination | Periosteal Status | Vascular Status | |------|------------|-------------------|----------------|-------------------|------------------| | **I** | <1 cm | Minimal | Low | Intact | Intact | | **II** | >1 cm | Moderate | Moderate | May be stripped | Intact | | **IIIa** | >1 cm | Extensive | High | Stripped | Intact | | **IIIb** | >1 cm | Massive | High | Stripped | Intact | | **IIIc** | Variable | Variable | High | Variable | **Arterial injury** | **High-Yield:** Type II fractures represent the **threshold for systemic antibiotics and operative debridement**. The presence of >1 cm laceration and moderate contamination mandates primary surgical exploration and wound management. **Clinical Pearl:** Type II fractures have a **lower infection rate (~2–5%)** compared to Type III (~5–25%), making early aggressive debridement and antibiotic coverage critical for prevention. **Mnemonic:** **Type II = Moderate damage, moderate contamination** — the "middle ground" between simple (Type I) and complex (Type III) open fractures.