What is a classic presentation symptom for an intertrochanteric fracture?

What is a classic presentation symptom for an intertrochanteric fracture?

• A. Limited knee flexion
• B. Patient holding the leg in an adducted position
• C. Externally rotated and shortened leg
• D. Pain with hip flexion

Answer: (C)

An intertrochanteric fracture, which occurs in the region between the trochanters of the femur, typically presents with a characteristic set of clinical signs and symptoms. One of the classic indicators of this type of fracture is that the affected leg appears externally rotated and shortened. The external rotation occurs due to the action of the surrounding muscles, particularly the hip external rotators, which contract in response to the fracture, leading to a deficit in stabilizing the femur. In addition, the shortened appearance of the leg is a consequence of the fracture disrupting the normal alignment of the femur, causing the bone fragments to displace relative to each other. This combination of external rotation and limb shortening helps clinicians in identifying the injury during physical examination. Understanding this classic presentation is essential for appropriate assessment and management of intertrochanteric fractures, often seen in elderly patients due to falls or in those with osteoporosis. Recognizing these signs can aid in timely diagnosis and intervention, improving patient outcomes following the injury.

An intertrochanteric fracture, which occurs in the region between the trochanters of the femur, typically presents with a characteristic set of clinical signs and symptoms. One of the classic indicators of this type of fracture is that the affected leg appears externally rotated and shortened.

The external rotation occurs due to the action of the surrounding muscles, particularly the hip external rotators, which contract in response to the fracture, leading to a deficit in stabilizing the femur. In addition, the shortened appearance of the leg is a consequence of the fracture disrupting the normal alignment of the femur, causing the bone fragments to displace relative to each other. This combination of external rotation and limb shortening helps clinicians in identifying the injury during physical examination.

Understanding this classic presentation is essential for appropriate assessment and management of intertrochanteric fractures, often seen in elderly patients due to falls or in those with osteoporosis. Recognizing these signs can aid in timely diagnosis and intervention, improving patient outcomes following the injury.