How do you describe an intertrochanteric fracture?

How do you describe an intertrochanteric fracture?

An intertrochanteric fracture is a type of hip fracture or broken hip. The hip is made up of two bones—the femur, or “thigh bone,” and the pelvis, or “socket.” The hip is an important ball-in-socket joint that allows you to move your leg when walking.

What does intertrochanteric mean?

Introduction. Intertrochanteric fractures are defined as extracapsular fractures of the proximal femur that occur between the greater and lesser trochanter. The intertrochanteric aspect of the femur is located between the greater and lesser trochanters and is composed of dense trabecular bone.

What is intertrochanteric hip fracture?

Intertrochanteric fractures are breaks of the femur between the greater and the lesser trochanters. They are extracapsular fractures that is, outside the hip joint’s fibrous capsule. The epidemiology of intertrochanteric fractures is similar to that of femoral neck fractures.

Where is the intertrochanteric region?

The intertrochanteric area of the femur is distal to the femoral neck and proximal to the femoral shaft; it is the area of the femoral trochanters, the lesser and the greater trochanters (see the image below).

What makes an intertrochanteric fracture unstable?

If the lateral wall is breached, there is no buttress for the proximal neck fragment and collapse may be excessive. Fracture of this delicate structure converts a seemingly simple IT fracture into a reverse oblique fracture equivalent (31 A1/A2–31 A3), thereby resulting in instability.

Why are intertrochanteric fractures common?

Causes. The most common causes of intertrochanteric fractures are falls or trauma. These problems are more likely to occur among older people, who are at a higher risk of falling. In some cases, people who have weak bones can get a fracture from simply walking or standing.

What is the difference between a hip fracture and a broken hip?

A hip fracture happens when the upper part of the thighbone breaks. Older people and people with osteoporosis are more likely to break a hip. Surgery and physical therapy can help some people with a broken hip regain mobility and independence.

What is the function of intertrochanteric crest?

The intertrochanteric crest, not to be confused with the intertrochanteric line, is a ridge on the femur located at the posterior aspect of the junction between the femoral neck and shaft, traversing between the greater and lesser trochanters. It is the posterior point of attachment for the joint capsule of the hip.

What is the difference between the intertrochanteric line and crest?

Together with the intertrochanteric line on the anterior side of the head, the crest marks the transition between the neck of the femur and the shaft of the femur. An elevation between the middle and proximal third of the crest is known as the quadrate tubercle….

How do you handle an intertrochanteric fracture?

Intertrochanteric fractures are treated surgically with either a sliding compression hip screw and side plate or an intramedullary nail. The compression hip screw is fixed to the outer side of the bone with bone screws. A large secondary screw (lag screw) is placed through the plate into the femoral head and neck.

What muscles attach to the intertrochanteric line?

The joint capsule of the hip and the iliofemoral ligament insert on the intertrochanteric line. Furthermore, the vastus medialis muscle originates from the inferior portion of the intertrochanteric line.