Management of isolated greater trochanteric fractures of the hip – Experience from a major trauma centre over a 24-month period

Abstract

Introduction

Isolated greater trochanteric fractures (IGTfs) of the femur are uncommon. At least 10% of these fractures have an occult intertrochanteric extension. Mobilisation too early without care can lead to fracture propagation, requiring surgical fixation. There is no definite consensus in the literature on how to manage initially diagnosed IGTf with potential occult intertrochanteric extension. We reviewed the management of IGTf in our major trauma centre (MTC) and propose a management flow chart.

Methods

The electronic notes and images for all IGTf admitted under or referred to the orthopaedic team at a MTC, from June 2015 to July 2017, were reviewed. Data were collected on fracture pattern and diagnostic imaging modalities. Periprosthetic fractures were excluded.

Results

1550 neck of femur fracture patients were admitted over the 2-year period; 790 patients (51%) had a fracture around the intertrochanteric region and 49 (3.2%) were diagnosed with a IGTf on plain radiographs. 98% of patients had further imaging after initial plain film radiographs, and 58% of all IGTf were shown to have an intertrochanteric extension. Overall 16/49 patients (32.7%) needed an operation.

Conclusions

An IGTf not crossing the medullary canal into the calcar (i.e >50% of the diameter) does not require surgical fixation and can be managed with analgesia and supervised mobilisation. The 30-day mortalities in both operative and non-operative groups were similar at 2% and 2.2%, respectively. Overall mortality is half of the total neck of femur fracture population (4.1%) in our MTC. We propose a management flow chart for this patient cohort.