Origin of proximal femur fracture classification and their namegivers

Abstract

Due to the high incidence of proximal femoral fractures, classifications of these fractures are often used in daily practice. Most classifications are eponymous terms since they bear the name of the person(s) who developed them. In this study we provide an insight in the origin of the classifications and the background of their name givers. The clinical implication and background of the eponymous proximal femur fracture classifications of Garden, Pauwels and Evans-Jensen are discussed. With the rising use of modern classification systems, the relevance of historically important classifications is food for discussion. Nevertheless, these classification systems are still used in daily communication and decision making.