S72.11 Fracture of greater trochanter of femur

ICD-10-CM Code S72.11: Fracture of greater trochanter of femur

ICD-10-CM code S72.11 represents a fracture of the greater trochanter of the femur. Public sources establish that this condition is categorized under a broader parent concept with sixteen more specific child codes. Clinical literature highlights diagnostic challenges when plain films are equivocal and notes that isolated trochanteric fractures are excluded from certain surgical management studies. 1 2 3

What this code represents

ICD-10-CM code S72.11 represents the diagnosis of a fracture of the greater trochanter of the femur. This code functions as a parent concept in the terminology hierarchy, containing sixteen more specific child concepts. 3

Plain-language overview

An isolated fracture of the greater trochanter of the femur is a specific type of hip area injury. Establishing a definitive diagnosis can be difficult when standard plain film radiographs are equivocal for fracture extension. 1

Clinical context

Magnetic resonance imaging is indicated when plain film radiographs show a greater trochanter fracture due to the plain film's inability to show the extent of the lesion. Computed tomography scans may be inaccurate, and bone scans are less cost effective. 1

Literature notes that fractures isolated to the greater trochanter region are rare. To date, there is no consensus on the best way to manage isolated greater trochanteric fractures. 1

Documentation considerations

The AO/OTA classification 31A1.1 defines isolated fractures of the greater or lesser trochanter. This classification distinguishes isolated trochanteric fractures from 31A1.2 and 1.3 fractures, which are simple pertrochanteric fractures with a competent lateral wall. 2

Clinical literature distinguishes between 31A1 and 31A2 fractures based on fracture line characteristics. 31A1 fractures have a simple fracture line extending from the greater trochanter to the medial femoral cortex, while 31A2 fractures are multifragmentary pertrochanteric fractures with a posteromedial fragment. 2

What the sources add

While S3 establishes the ICD-10-CM hierarchical structure for this diagnosis, S1 provides clinical context regarding diagnostic imaging challenges and the lack of consensus for managing isolated greater trochanteric fractures. S2 provides operational context by defining the AO/OTA classification for this specific injury. 1 2 3

Coverage and utilization context

A retrospective observational study analyzing surgical management of trochanteric fractures excluded isolated greater or lesser trochanter fractures. The study analyzed compliance with guidelines suggesting sliding hip screws in preference to intramedullary nails for trochanteric fractures above and including the lesser trochanter. 2

Questions to verify

Does the clinical documentation specify laterality and the encounter type for the greater trochanter fracture? The supplied excerpts do not establish the laterality, encounter character, or billable specificity details for ICD-10-CM code S72.11. 3

Sources

1. IMMEDIATE WEIGHT-BEARING IN SUSPECTED ISOLATED GREATER TROCHANTER FRACTURES AS DELINEATED ON MRI — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
2. Management of Trochanteric Fractures: Are We NICE Compliant? — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
3. EVS Explore — evsexplore.semantics.cancer.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.