Winquist classification of femoral shaft fractures

The Winquist classification of femoral shaft fractures is based on fracture comminution and was proposed by Winquist in 1980. This classification is used with regards to management decision making, in determining whether a fracture requires an intramedullary nail or open reduction.

Type 0: no comminution or a small butterfly fragment less than 25 % of the width of the bone

Type I: small butterfly fragment less than 25 % of the width of the bone

Type II: butterfly fragment 50 % or less of the width of the bone

Type III: comminuted with a large butterfly fragment, greater than 50 % of the width of the bone

Type IV: severe comminution of an entire segment of bone (segmental comminution)