Pauwels classification

The Pauwel's classification ( I–III ) describes femoral neck fractures according to the angle of the fracture line. It only applies to subcapital fractures and reflects the instability of the fracture.


 * I – the fracture line with the horizontal forms an angle of up to 30 °, relatively stable wedged, abduction fractures (compressive forces prevail)
 * II – the fracture line forms an angle of 30–50 ° with the horizontal, relatively stable (compression and shear forces in balance)
 * III – the fracture line with the horizontal makes an angle above 50 °, least stable, risk of avascular necrosis of the head (shearing forces prevail)

Related articles

 * Femoral neck fractures
 * Femur
 * Pipkin's classification
 * Garden's classification