The word "trochanteric fractures" refers to a type of hip fracture that occurs in the upper part of the femur bone. The spelling of this word can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to help understand how it is pronounced. The first syllable "tro-ka-" is pronounced as [tɹəʊ] with a long vowel sound. The second syllable "chan-" is pronounced as [kæn] with a short "a" sound. The last syllable "-ter-ic" is pronounced as [tɛɹɪk] with a stressed "e" sound.
Trochanteric fractures are a type of bone fracture that occur in the trochanter region of the femur. The femur is the long bone in the thigh, and the trochanter is a bony prominence located on the upper part of the femur. It serves as an attachment site for various muscles that help with lower limb movement.
Trochanteric fractures usually result from high-impact trauma, such as a fall from a height or a motor vehicle accident. They are commonly seen in elderly individuals with weakened bones due to osteoporosis. In younger individuals, these fractures can also occur due to sports injuries or other forms of significant trauma.
Symptoms of trochanteric fractures include severe pain in the hip area, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in bearing weight on the affected leg. The fracture may cause misalignment or instability of the hip joint, leading to limited range of motion and difficulty in walking.
Treatment of trochanteric fractures depends on the severity and displacement of the fracture. Non-surgical options include immobilization using a cast or brace, along with pain management and physical therapy. Surgical intervention, such as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) may be required for more severe fractures to realign and stabilize the bone fragments using screws, plates, rods, or a combination of these.
Overall, trochanteric fractures are significant injuries that require prompt medical attention and appropriate treatment to ensure proper healing and restoration of hip function.
The word "trochanteric" comes from the Greek word "trokhantḗr", which refers to a lump or prominence on a bone. In anatomy, the term specifically refers to two bony prominences on the femur (thighbone) called the greater trochanter and the lesser trochanter.
The term "fractures" comes from the Latin word "fractūra", which means a breaking or fracture of a bone. In medical terminology, it is used to describe the breaking or cracking of a bone.
So, "trochanteric fractures" is a medical term that describes fractures that occur specifically in the vicinity of the trochanteric region of the femur. These fractures are usually seen in older adults, particularly in those with osteoporosis or other conditions that weaken the bones.