Morphological analysis of posterior-medial intertrochanteric fracture patterns using fracture-mapping technique

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to analyze the fracture patterns of different posterior-medial wall types of intertrochanteric fractures by 3-D fracture-mapping technique and to further assess their clinical utility. Methods In a retrospective analysis of interochanteric fractures treated in a large trauma center, fractures were classified into predesigned groups based on 3D-CT imaging techniques, and a 3-D template of the intertrochanteric region was graphically superimposed on the fracture line. Fracture characteristics were then summarized based on fracture-mapping. Finally, radiographic parameters, function, and range of motion were recorded in different fracture classification states. Results A total of 348 intertrochanteric fractures were included. There were 111 patients (31.9%) in the posterolateral + posteromedial + medial group, with the most severe fracture displacement (typically characterized by fragmentation of the posteromedial wall into three isolated fragments). There were 102 cases (29.3%) in the posterolateral + posteromedial + simple medial group, and the most common fracture feature was a complete fragment posteromedially. A total of 81 cases (23.3%) were classified into the posterolateral + medial group, with the medial fracture line extending the anterior fracture line but leaving the lesser trochanter intact. In the isolated medial group of 33 cases (9.5%), the fracture type was similar to type IV, but the integrity of the greater trochanter was ensured. In the posteromedial + medial group of 12 cases (3.4%), the fracture was characterized by an interruption when the fracture line of the anterolateral wall extended to the posteromedial wall, often resulting in a complete isolated fragment posteromedially and medially. There were 9 patients (2.6%) in the isolated posterolateral group. In addition, we found significantly different radiographic scores and range of motion scores between groups. Conclusions This morphometric study helps us to further characterize posterior-medial fracture patterns of intertrochanteric fractures, which may be closely related to different clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to verify the reliability of this classification scheme in clinical application. Study Design: Crossover Study Design; Level of evidence, 3.