Rare consecutive femoral lesser trochanteric avulsion in an adolescent following sporting activities; a case report

• Published in: Radiology case reports 2023-02, Vol.18 (2), p.572-576
• Main Authors: Ubimago, John Ifeanyi, Essien, Meraiyebu Aminyene, Iseko, Kingsley Iyoko, Oguche, Omachoko Emmanuel, Inyang, Nkechi Gift, Sabiya, Kalma Pembari
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Avulsion; Case Report; Conservative; Femur; Lesser; Trochanter
• ISSN: 1930-0433; 1930-0433
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2022.10.077

Avulsion of the lesser trochanter is a rare but disturbing condition, which usually occurs in males between the ages of 7-16 years with significant physical activities or in athletes. Diagnosis is more often than not challenging, but with a good history, physical examination, and imaging modality, diagnosis can be clinched, and the prognosis is good even with a conservative management approach. This case report is that of a 12-year-old male who suddenly fell while participating in sporting activities in school. As a consequence of the fall, he felt severe pain in the left groin region with an associated inability to bear weight on the affected limb. A radiograph study of the hip revealed a fracture of the left lesser trochanter. Based on the diagnosis, a conservative approach, which entails the use of analgesics, and partial weight-bearing mobilization with axillary crutches to take the weight off the affected limb for a period, was the choice of management for this subject. Fifteen weeks following the conservative management for the avulsion of the left femoral lesser trochanter fracture, the subject sustained a similar injury to the contralateral groin, consequential to return to sporting activities. In conclusion, rare as avulsion of the lesser trochanter may be, a high index of suspicion must be raised in any adolescent with a painful limp following engagement in any sporting activities, and such individuals should have a radiograph study done to achieve prompt and effective care.