Authors of section

Author

Tomas Guerrero

Executive Editor

Amy Kapatkin

General Editor

Noel Moens

Open all credits

31-C2   Multifragmentary articular fracture of the femoral head

31-C2

Type C2 fractures are articular multifragmentary fractures of the femoral head.

definition

General considerations

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.

Etiology

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

Clinical signs observed in 31-C fractures are:

  • Pain
  • Crepitus during manipulation of the hip joint
  • Non weight bearing of the affected limb
  • Proximal displacement of the greater trochanter due to hip luxation

Imaging

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.

Go to indication