Hip Injuries - Femoral Head Fracture

Authors: Layla Abubshait, MD, Michael Gottlieb, MD, RDMS, Mary Haas, MD
Updated: 11/14/2016

Hip Injuries: Femoral Head Fracture

Types 1 to 4 femoral head fracture drawings

Xray Views

  • AP pelvis
  • Lateral hip
  • ± Judet view of hip (45-degree oblique)

Acute Management

Surgery

Follow-up Timing

Admit and consult an orthopedic surgeon

Notes

Pipkin Classification

  • I: Fracture below fovea/ligamentum (small); Does not involve the weight bearing portion of the femoral head
  • II: Fracture above fovea/ligamentum (larger); Involves the weight bearing portion of the femoral head
  • III: Type I or II with associated femoral neck fracture
  • IV: Type I or II with associated acetabular fracture

References

  1. Gill SK, Smith J, Fox R, Chesser TJ. Investigation of occult hip fractures: the use of CT and MRI. Scientific World Journal. 2013;2013:830319. [PubMed]

  2. Rodriguez-Merchan EC, Moraleda L, Gomez-Cardero P. Injuries associated with femoral shaft fractures with special emphasis on occult injuries. Arch Bone Jt Surg. 2013 Dec;1(2):59-63. [PubMed]