Classification of Seinsheimer for Subtrochanteric Fractures of the Femur

Seinsheimer classified subtrochanteric fractures of the femur based upon the pattern of osseous defect.

"Subtrochanter" refers to the region of the femoral shaft from the inferior aspect of the lesser trochanter to a point 5 cm below this point.

Parameters:

(1) displacement

(2) number of major pieces (any fragment with largest dimension >= 1.0 cm)

(3) type of fracture

Displacement	Pieces	Fracture	Type
nondisplaced or minimally displaced (< 2 mm)	2 or more		I
displaced	2	transverse	IIA
displaced	2	spiral; lesser trochanter on proximal piece	IIB
displaced	2	spiral; lesser trochanter on distal piece	IIC
displaced	3	spiral with lesser trochanter separate with inferior spike of cortex	IIIA
displaced	3	spiral with butterfly fragment	IIIB
displaced	4 or more	comminuted	IV
displaced	3 or more	with intertrochanteric fracture; any extension through greater trochanter	V

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