trochanteric avulsion fracture
Last reviewed 01/2018
Either the greater or the lesser trochanter may be avulsed from sudden contraction of the gluteus medius or ilio-psoas muscles respectively.
There is tenderness over the avulsion site and any movement which stresses the relevant trochanter is painful.
Conservative treatment may be sucessful but large fragments with marked displacement often require internal fixation.
Isolated fractures of the greater trochanter may also result from direct injury.