Acute Groin Pain in an Adolescent Sprinter: A Case Report

Abstract

Avulsion fractures of the lesser trochanter apophysis are rare injuries due to strenuous musculo-skeletal activity in sporting adolescents. The tendons and ligaments of the immature skeleton are able to withstand greater tensile forces than the vulnerable developing apophysis, thus resulting in these avulsion injuries associated with vigorous eccentric musculo-skeletal contractions. We report the case of a 13-year-old boy who presented with acute onset of limp and groin pain following sprinting. Radiographs revealed an acute avulsion of the lesser trochanter of the proximal femur. Full recovery followed a period of protected weight-bearing and symptomatic treatment.




doi:10.4021/ijcp3w