What are the classifications of intertrochanteric fractures

Intertrochanteric fracture is not a very common fracture disease. Most patients with this intertrochanteric fracture are middle-aged and elderly people. Moreover, this fracture is caused by a large and violent impact, so it is generally not very common, but this does not mean that it has never occurred. In fact, there are many types of intertrochanteric fractures, and many people do not know much about this. Here I will introduce you to some information about this.

Definition: Intertrochanteric fracture refers to a fracture between the base of the femoral neck and the lower edge of the lesser trochanter.

Overview: Intertrochanteric fractures are more common in the elderly, with a higher incidence in men than in women, at a ratio of about 1.5:1. They are extracapsular fractures. More than 250,000 hip fractures occur in the United States each year, and the total cost of treatment is estimated to be more than $8 billion, of which intertrochanteric fractures account for about 1/2. According to statistics in my country, the average age of patients with intertrochanteric fractures is 70 years old, 5 to 6 years older than patients with femoral neck fractures. Elderly patients are more likely to suffer from complications (pneumonia, bedsores, urinary tract infections) due to long-term bed rest, and the mortality rate is 15 to 20%. There are many muscles attached to the trochanter of the femur, so the local blood supply is rich, and the contact area of ​​the fracture is large. Therefore, healing and connection after fracture is generally not a problem. The main problem is the tendency for the hip to varus, resulting in a malformation of the joint, causing lameness, and possibly causing posttraumatic arthritis of the affected limb at a later stage due to the change in the weight-bearing line.

Causes and risk factors:

1. Direct violence: The greater trochanter is hit directly.

2. Indirect violence: sudden twisting of the lower limbs, or forceful adduction or abduction when falling.

3. Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis itself is not a single risk factor, but increased exercise, hormone replacement therapy and adequate calcium intake in postmenopausal women can reduce the incidence of intertrochanteric fractures (hip fractures).

The relevant contents of intertrochanteric fracture classification are those introduced above. A special reminder is to pay attention to the care of the elderly and avoid them going out on rainy days.