In this fracture group, the proximal end of the fracture line begins at some distance from the head. It comprises basicervical fractures, simple and multifragmentary transcervical fractures with a varus displacement, resulting from adduction injuries, and transcervical fractures caused by a vertical shear.
These are extraarticular but intracapsular fractures. The blood supply to the femoral head is threatened because the displacement may lead to disruptions of the blood vessels leading to the femoral head. The more vertical the fracture line is after reduction, the more unstable the construct becomes because of the shearing forces acting on the fracture.
X-rays in two planes must be obtained in all cases. For proper radiological evaluation x-rays in two planes at 90° to one another are necessary. In the presence of a fracture, the lateral view is obtained by taking the so-called cross-table view. If this is of good quality, it will allow the surgeon to assess the degree of retroversion and the degree of fragmentation of the posterior cortex.
The Pauwels classification can best be determined intraoperatively, once traction is applied, and the fracture is reduced. After this, choice of fixation is easier. On an AP fluoroscopic view, assess the inclination of the fracture line. Pauwels type I is a fracture with <30º from the horizontal. Type II is 30º-70º from the horizontal. Type III is >70º from the horizontal.