Type C2 fractures are articular multifragmentary fractures of the femoral head.
High-velocity injuries of the proximal femur generally result in intertrochanteric or subtrochanteric comminuted fractures. Low-velocity injuries result in lower energy fractures and often result in two-piece fractures such as capital physeal fractures, femoral neck fractures or transverse fractures of the subtrochanteric region.
The small bone stock available for fixation in the proximal femoral fractures makes treatment of these types of fractures challenging.
31-C type fractures are uncommon in small patients.
31-C1 and C2 type fractures occur in young animals and most of them occur in combination with coxofemoral luxation. The avulsed fragment remains attached to the round ligament of the femoral head. Prompt surgical intervention is mandatory to minimize damage to the hip joint.
Clinical signs observed in 31-C fractures are:
Good quality mediolateral and craniocaudal radiographs are essential for fracture evaluation. The fragments remaining in the acetabulum may be difficult to identify on radiographs.
If more information is needed, computed tomography should be used.