Wound Classification (Tetanus-Prone Versus Non–Tetanus-Prone Wounds)

Clinical Features	Tetanus-Prone Wounds	Non–Tetanus Prone Wounds
Age of wound	>6 hours	6 hours
Configuration	Stellate wound, avulsion, abrasion	Linear wound
Depth	>1 cm	1 cm
Mechanism of injury	Missile, crush, burn, frostbite	Sharp surface (e.g., knife, glass)
Signs of infection	Present	Absent
Devitalized tissue	Present	Absent
Contaminants (e.g., dirt, feces, soil, saliva)	Present	Absent

Source: American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma Prophylaxis Against Tetanus in Wound Management, April 1984, with permission.