3 | STABLE AND UNSTABLE TROCHANTERIC FRACTURES
The
trochanteric fractures are considered stable if after reduction and
fixation are less likely to be secondary displaced [1].
- Stable fracture: with intact posteromedial cortex that will resist
medial compressive loads once reduced.
- Unstable fracture: comminuted fracture of the posteromedial cortex,
thinner lateral wall thickness, the fracture will collapse into varus
and retroversion when loaded. For instance fractures with a large
posteromedial fragment; reverse oblique fracture line extending from
medial cortex both laterally and distally; sub-trochanteric extension.