Trochanteric femur fractures can be classified using the Jensen modification of the Evans’ classification or the AO/ASIF classification. This study compares the reproducibility of both classifications. Furthermore we evaluated the agreement on fracture stability, choice of osteosynthesis, fracture reduction and the accuracy of implant positioning.

We used pre- and postoperative lateral and AP radiographs of 50 trochanteric femur fractures. The fractures were classified using both classifications with a three-month interval by five trauma surgeons and five residents. Inter-, and intra-observer variability was analysed using the multi-rater Fleiss’ kappa and the Cohen’ kappa tests.

The AO/ASIF classification showed a kappa coefficient for the intra-observer agreement of 0.40 (SE 0.01). After leaving out classification-subgroups, AO/ASIF classification showed a coefficient of 0.68 (SE 0.02) and the Jensen classification a coefficient of 0.48 (SE 0.02). The kappa values of the intra-observer reliability of the AO/ASIF classification with and without subgroups were: 0.43 (SE 0.08) and 0.71 (SE 0.08) respectively. For the Jensen classification the kappa value was 0.56 (SE 0.09).

Preoperative agreement on fracture stability and type of implant to be chosen showed kappa values of 0.39 (SE 0.05) and 0.65 (SE 0.04). Postoperative disagreement on the choice of implant was 15% (kappa 0.17, SE 0.08). Kappa values for postoperative fracture reduction and position of the implant were 0.29 (SE 0.09) and 0.22 (SE 0.05), respectively.

Both the Jensen classification and the AO/ASIF classification showed poor reproducibility. However, without subgroups the AO/ASIF classification seemed more reliable. This study suggests that the definition of stability of trochanteric fractures remains controversial, which possibly complicates the choice of osteosynthesis. Refinement of the classifications or renewed definition of trochanteric fractures seems to be required.