Pipkin Classification of Femoral Head Fractures

 

Classification	Description	Notes
Type 1	Fracture inferior to the fovea capitis	Can be treated conservatively in nondisplaced
Type 2	Fracture separates the fovea capitis from femoral head	Typically treated operatively
Type 3	Pipkin 1 or 2 plus femoral neck fracture	Increased risk of AVN. Percutaneous fixation in younger patients, arthroplasty in older patients
Type 4	Pipkin 1 or 2 plus acetabular fracture	Treatment depends on configuration of fracture fragments

 

References

Droll, K. P., et al. (2007). “Fracture of the femoral head.” J Am Acad Orthop Surg 15(12): 716-727.

Pipkin G: Treatment of grade IV fracture-dislocation of the hip. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1957;39:1027-1042.