The Russell-Taylor classification describes a subtrochanteric hip fracture. It can identify whether plating or intramedullary nailing should be used for fixation.
Patient selection: subtrochanteric fracture (at to 5 cm below the lesser trochanter).
Fracture Involving Piriform Fossa
Fracture Location
Medial Femoral Cortex
Type
no
NA
NA
Type 1
no
below lesser trochanter
stable
Type 1A
no
involves lesser trochanter
stable
Type 1B
yes
NA
NA
Type 2
yes
NA
stable
Type 2A
yes
NA
stable
Type 2B
where:
• The piriform fossa is also called the trochanteric fossa.
• The piriform fossa is just medial to the greater trochanter.
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