Adult Subtrochanteric Femur Fractures

Definition

Incidence

Aetiology

Anatomy

Classification

Fielding’s Classification of Subtrochanteric Fractures

TypeDescription
Ifracture is at the level of the lesser trochanter
IIfracture is 2.5 to 5 cm below the lesser trochanter
IIIfracture is 5 to 7.5 cm below the lesser trochanter
Fielding’s Classification of Subtrochanteric Fractures
  • Transverse fractures fit this classification well, but oblique and comminuted fractures may involve more than one of the levels described

Seinsheimer classification of Subtrochanteric Fractures

Type Description
INondisplaced fracture or one with less than 2 mm of displacement
IITwo-part fracture
IIaTransverse fracture
IIbSpiral configuration with the lesser trochanter attached to proximal fragment
IIcSpiral configuration with the lesser trochanter attached to distal fragment
IIIThree-part fracture
IIIaThree-part spiral configuration with the lesser trochanter a part of the third fragment
IIIbThree-part spiral configuration with the third part a butterfly fragment
IVComminuted fracture with four or more fragments
VSubtrochanteric-intertrochanteric configuration
Seinsheimer classification of Subtrochanteric Fractures

Russell-Taylor classification of subtrochanteric fracture of femur

  • based on involvement of piriformis fossa
Type Description
Ifracture does not extend into piriformis fossa
Iacomminution and fracture lines extend from below lesser trochanter to femoral isthmus
Ibfracture lines and comminution involve area of lesser trochanter to isthmus
IIfracture extends proximally into greater trochanter and involves piriformis fossa
IIano significant comminution or fracture of lesser trochanter
IIbsignificant comminution of medial femoral cortex and loss of continuity of lesser trochanter
Russell-Taylor classification of subtrochanteric fracture of femur

Pathology

History

Examination

Investigations

Xrays

Treatment

Nonoperative

Operative

Treatment Recommendations Based on Russell-Taylor Classification of Subtrochanteric Fractures

Type Fracture DescriptionTreatment
IaPiriformis fossa and lesser trochanter intactStandard interlocking IM nail
IbPiriformis fossa intact, lesser trochanter fracturedReconstruction IM nail
IIaPiriformis fossa fractured, lesser trochanter intactHip screw or reconstruction IM nail
IIbPiriformis fossa and lesser trochanter fracturedHip screw with bone graft or reconstruction IM nail
Treatment Recommendations Based on Russel-Taylor Classification of Subtrochanteric Fractures

Complications

Prognosis