Authors of section

Authors

Theerachai Apivatthakakul, Jong-Keon Oh

Executive Editor

Michael Baumgaertner

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Femoral neck and greater trochanter fractures

Definition

This fracture pattern consists of two components: a trochanteric fracture with fracture extension into the femoral neck.

Trochanteric fracture with fracture extension into the femoral neck

Further characteristics

This is a rare fracture pattern that is highly unstable. There is often no bony support for the head component to collapse with.

Vascularization through ligamentum teres

The ligamentum teres arises from the transverse acetabular ligament and the posterior inferior portion of the acetabular fossa and attaches to the femoral head at the fovea capitis. Lesions of the ligamentum teres may be caused by dislocation or subluxation of the hip as well as acetabular fractures.

However, the blood supply through the ligamentum teres is minor (10–15% of the femoral head) and mostly to the non-weight-bearing area.

Vascularization of the femoral head through the circumflex artery and the ligamentum teres
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