Types

What types of hip fractures are there?

There are three distinct types of hip fractures that require different types of treatment:

• Femoral Neck Fracture
• Intertrochanteric Fracture
• Subtrochanteric Fracture

Femoral Neck Fracture

In this injury the fracture line goes across the narrower 'neck' between the shaft and the head of the bone. Rarely the fracture is undisplaced but most often the two parts rotate and separate. The blood supply of the femoral head may be cut off by this fracture. This fracture is often treated by replacement with an artificial hip.

Intertrochanteric Fracture

In this injury the fracture line is at the junction of the neck and the shaft. This is a broader part of the bone. It is common for the bone to break into three or four pieces with this fracture pattern. If this happens the fracture is unstable and may shorten or rotate during this period of healing. The blood supply of the bone fragments is usually preserved and healing takes place in most cases. This fracture is most commonly treated by fixation with a plate and screws.

Subtrochanteric Fracture

The fracture line in this injury starts in the neck region but extends down into the shaft of the thigh bone. It is more common as a high energy hip fracture and not so common after a simple fall. It combines some of the features of a hip fracture and a femoral shaft fracture. Treatment of this fracture depends on the pattern but if the shaft component is significant, it may be treated with an intramedullary rod.