31-C3 Articular multifragmentary cervical and trochanteric fracture
31-C3
Type C3 fractures are multifragmentary cervical and trochanteric.
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.
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.
