In these fractures the fracture line can begin anywhere on the greater trochanter and end either above or below the lesser trochanter.
There are only two fragments, and the medial cortex is interrupted in only one place.
The important feature is that these fractures are stable after reduction and fixation, largely because of the excellent contact of the fracture surfaces and no bone loss. The lesser trochanter, the so-called medial buttress, is intact.