The Delbet classification helps predict the risk of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in neck of femur fractures, as well as determine operative vs non-operative management 1.
Classification
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type I: trans-epiphyseal separation
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fracture through proximal femoral physis, representing Salter-Harris type I fractures of the proximal femur (<10%)
IA: without dislocation
IB: with dislocation
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type II: transcervical fracture
fracture extending through mid-portion of the femoral neck
most common type of pediatric hip fracture (40-50%)
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type III: basicervical fracture
fracture though base of the femoral neck (25-35%)
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type IV: intertrochanteric fracture
between the greater and lesser trochanters (6-15%)
this type of fracture has the best outcome
History and etymology
Pierre Delbet was a French surgeon who operated on neck of femur fractures 2. He classified these fractures into four types in adults, which is now known as Delbet's classification of fractures of proximal femur 3. This was later adopted by Collona for fractures of the femoral neck in children without changes. He used it to determine treatment and prognosis of hip fracture in children 4.