What classification system describes levels of soft tissue injury in open fractures?

The correct classification system that describes levels of soft tissue injury in open fractures is the Gustilo-Anderson classification. This system categorizes open fractures based on the extent of soft tissue damage, which is crucial for determining treatment strategies and predicting outcomes. The Gustilo-Anderson classification divides open fractures into three main types:

1. Type I: A clean wound less than 1 cm in size, with minimal soft tissue damage.

2. Type II: A larger wound (more than 1 cm) with moderate soft tissue injury but without extensive damage.

3. Type III: Severe soft tissue injury, which can further be classified into subcategories based on the degree of damage and the presence of contamination.

This classification is essential for orthopedic nursing as it helps guide appropriate intervention, surgical management, and rehabilitation strategies, ensuring optimal recovery for patients with open fractures. The other classifications mentioned, like the AO classification, focus on fracture types and patterns rather than the associated soft tissue injuries, while the Schatzker classification pertains to tibial plateau fractures and the DASH scale measures upper extremity disability, lacking relevance to open fractures.