Trochanteric Fractures in Young Children

Isolated avulsion fractures of the greater and lesser trochanter are usually seen in adolescents prior to the fusion of the apophysis. Greater trochanter fractures in adults have a high incidence of intertrochanteric extension and lesser trochanter fractures are regarded as a pathognomonic sign of metastatic disease. These fractures are very rare among children.

We report five cases of trochanteric fractures in children of less than two years of age three of which were unrecognized initially in the accident and emergency department.

Early and complete recovery ensued following immobilization and symptomatic treatment. Surgical intervention was not required.

There needs to be a high index of suspicion to diagnose these fractures in children and plain radiographs need to be carefully examined when assessing a limping child. Our experience shows when correctly diagnosed these injuries can be treated successfully with supportive treatment and no need for surgical intervention.

IV Case series.