A 35-year-old with a subtrochanteric femur fracture is classified as Seinsheimer Type IIIb. This pattern is best described as:

• A Two-part fracture with transverse subtrochanteric line
• B Three-part fracture with spiral configuration and proximal third involvement
• C Four-part fracture with comminution at the isthmus
• D Three-part spiral fracture with a lesser trochanter fragment ✓

Explanation

Seinsheimer's classification: Type I = undisplaced; Type IIA = 2-part transverse; Type IIB = 2-part spiral (lesser trochanter on proximal fragment); Type IIC = 2-part spiral (lesser trochanter on distal fragment); Type IIIA = 3-part spiral (lesser trochanter part of proximal or distal fragment); Type IIIB = 3-part spiral fracture with the lesser trochanter as the third separate fragment; Type IV = comminuted with ≥4 fragments; Type V = subtrochanteric with extension into the intertrochanteric region. Type IIIB is particularly unstable because the lesser trochanter attachment of iliopsoas creates a deforming force.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.