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How can subtrochanteric fracture be reduced?

Author

Sophia Edwards

Published Feb 16, 2026

How can subtrochanteric fracture be reduced?

Although several methods of treatment options have been reported in the recent literature, our preference is to use reamed, antegrade intramedullary nailing (IMN). Arguably the standard of care in treating subtrochanteric femur fractures, IMN can lead to reliable reproducible results.

Furthermore, what is a subtrochanteric fracture?

Subtrochanteric hip fracture is a break between the lesser trochanter and the area approximately 5 centimeters below the lesser trochanter.

Likewise, what does intertrochanteric mean? An intertrochanteric fracture is a specific type of hip fracture. “Intertrochantericmeans “between the trochanters,” which are bony protrusions on the femur (thighbone). They're the points where the muscles of the thigh and hip attach.

Then, how can intertrochanteric fractures be reduced?

Intertrochanteric hip fractures are generally treated by closed reduction and internal fixation with a dynamic hip screw or an intramedullary device using a fracture table [1, 3]. The positioning of the patient on the fracture table is critical for the successful reduction and operative fixation of the fracture [4].

What is diaphyseal fracture?

Diaphyseal fractures involving the radius and ulna, so called "both-bone" or "double-bone" forearm fractures are common orthopedic injuries. These injuries can result in significant loss of function if inadequately treated.

Do all hip fractures require surgery?

Advertisement. A hip fracture almost always requires surgical repair or replacement, followed by physical therapy. Taking steps to maintain bone density and avoid falls can help prevent a hip fracture.

What is a fracture neck of femur?

A fractured neck of femur (broken hip) is a serious injury, especially in older people. It is likely to be life changing and for some people life threatening. It occurs when the top part of the femur (leg bone) is broken, just below the ball and socket joint.

How is a broken femur treated?

In the most common surgery to repair a femur fracture, the surgeon inserts a rod or large nail into the center of the bone. This rod helps support the bone until it heals. The surgeon may also put a plate next to your bone that is attached by screws. Sometimes, fixation devices are attached to a frame outside your leg.

What is extracapsular fracture?

An extracapsular fracture is a bone fracture near a joint but still located outside the joint capsule. Examples of extracapsular fractures are intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric hip fractures.

What is fracture shaft of femur?

The long, straight part of the femur is called the femoral shaft. When there is a break anywhere along this length of bone, it is called a femoral shaft fracture. This type of broken leg almost always requires surgery to heal. The femoral shaft runs from below the hip to where the bone begins to widen at the knee.

What is an atypical fracture?

Atypical femoral fracture is an uncommon complication of long-term use of bisphosphonates. Atypical femoral fractures are stress or insufficency fractures occurring in the femoral shaft. Prodomal thigh or groin pain may occur before fracture. Atypical femoral fracture may first present as an incomplete fracture.

Where is the subtrochanteric femur?

Anatomy of the subtrochanteric area of the femur: the subtrochanteric area of the femur is defined as the area 5 cm distal to lesser trochanter.

What is life expectancy after hip fracture?

Some reports show that up to 50% of patients with hip fracture die within six months and many of those who survive do not recover their baseline independence and function. In recent decades the increase in life expectancy after 60 years of age has led to an exponential growth in hip fractures.

Can you still walk with a fractured hip?

Hip Fracture Symptoms

You may be unable to walk. Your skin around the injury may also swell, get red or bruise. Some people with hip fractures can still walk. They might just complain of vague pain in their hips, butt, thighs, groin or back.

Can a hip fracture heal without surgery?

If a hip or pelvic fracture is nondisplaced, meaning the bone fragments remain in place, orthopedic specialists at NYU Langone may recommend noninvasive treatments to help speed healing.

How long does it take to walk after a fractured femur?

Full recovery from a femur fracture can take anywhere from 12 weeks to 12 months. But you are not alone. Most people experiencing a femur fracture can begin walking with the help of a physical therapist in the first day or two after injury and/or surgery.

Can a 90 year old recover from a broken hip?

The length of recovery from hip fractures among older patients can increase with age. In general, the older individuals are and the greater number of conditions they have, the longer it can take to recover. The recovery time for a hip replacement ranges from four weeks to up to six months.

How would you position a patient with an intertrochanteric fracture?

Internal fixation using compression hip screws (CHS) and traction tables placing patients in the supine position is a gold standard option for treating intertrochanteric fractures; however, at our institution, we approach this treatment with patients in a lateral decubitus position.

How long does it take to recover from a broken femur?

Most femoral fractures take about 4 to 6 months to heal completely, but you should be able to resume many activities before this time.

What is PFN surgery?

In 1996, the AO/ASIF developed the proximal femoral nail (PFN) as an intramedullary device for the treatment of unstable per-, intra- and subtrochanteric femoral fractures. In conclusion, the PFN is a good minimal invasive implant of unstable proximal femoral fractures, if closed reduction is possible.

What is greater trochanter fracture?

A trochanteric hip fracture occurs between the greater trochanter, where the gluteus medius and the gluteus minimus (hip extensors and abductors) attach, and the lesser trochanter, where the iliopsoas (hip flexor) attaches.

What is the line between the hips called?

In anatomy, the Nelaton's Line (also known as the Roser-Nélaton line) is a theoretical line, in the moderately flexed hip, drawn from the anterior superior iliac spine to the tuberosity of the ischium.

What is a short gamma nail?

Background: The short Gamma nail (Stryker, Mahwah, NJ) is a commonly used device for the treatment of stable intertrochanteric hip fractures. First generation Gamma nails have been complicated by fractures at the tip of the nail. The long Gamma nail has been shown to reduce the incidence of periprosthetic fractures.

What is a gamma nail?

The Gamma nail (Fig. 2) consists of a large intramedullary locked nail with a valgus curvature, an upper part shaped as a funnel, a large proximal opening to allow insertion of a long femoral neck screw and two small horizontal holes to allow for distal locking. The femoral neck screw can slide within the nail.

What is a Subcapital hip fracture?

Femoral neck (subcapital) fractures: These fractures occur in the neck of the thighbone. Metal pins can be inserted to support the femoral head. Intertrochanteric fractures: These fractures occur in the large bumps of bone (trochanters) below the neck of the thighbone.

What surface of femur is Linea intertrochanteric?

The intertrochanteric line is located on the cranial surface of the proximal extremity of the femur, running from lesser trochanter to head of femur.

What attaches to the lesser trochanter of the femur?

The lesser trochanter is a small protuberance of bone that projects from the posterior aspect of the femur, inferomedially at the base of the femoral neck. Two muscles insert onto the lesser trochanter: Psoas major. Iliacus.

What is a comminuted fracture?

A comminuted (kah-muh-NOOT-ed) fracture is a type of broken bone. The bone is broken into more than two pieces.

What is a DHS in Orthopaedics?

The Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) or Sliding Hip Screw can be used as a fixation for neck of femur fractures. This would usually be considered for fractures that occur outside the hip capsule (extracapsular), often stable intertrochaneric fractures.

What are femur bones?

The femur is the only bone in the thigh and the longest bone in the body. It acts as the site of origin and attachment of many muscles and ligaments, and can be divided into three parts; proximal, shaft and distal.