This 'Classifications in Brief' review examines the Garden classification for femoral neck fractures — originally described by Robert Garden in 1961 — covering its four fracture types, treatment implications by type, interobserver reliability data across multiple validation studies, and its key structural limitations.
When managing femoral neck fractures, use Garden's classification as a starting framework but recognize that the operative decision hinges on the displaced (Types III–IV) vs. nondisplaced (Types I–II) binary — and that plain radiographs routinely underestimate displacement, so CT should be considered before committing to nonoperative or percutaneous management of apparent Type I injuries.
This 'Classifications in Brief' review examines the Garden classification for femoral neck fractures — originally described by Robert Garden in 1961 — covering its four fracture types, treatment implications by type, interobserver reliability data across multiple validation studies, and its key structural limitations.
When managing femoral neck fractures, use Garden's classification as a starting framework but recognize that the operative decision hinges on the displaced (Types III–IV) vs. nondisplaced (Types I–II) binary — and that plain radiographs routinely underestimate displacement, so CT should be considered before committing to nonoperative or percutaneous management of apparent Type I injuries.