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Published August 25, 2021

Minimally Invasive Suture Button Repair of Displaced Lesser Trochanter Fracture in an Adolescent Elite Ballerina

Although displaced lesser trochanteric avulsion fractures typically are managed nonsurgically, they may have a considerable effect on high-demand athletes, including ballet dancers. Certain ballet movements, such as grande battement, grande jeté, and développé la seconde, require considerable hip flexor power; any deficits may be career threatening. The etiology of displaced lesser trochanteric avulsion fractures typically is an avulsion of the lesser trochanter via forceful (or explosive) eccentric contracture of the iliopsoas tendon. Treatment options typically are limited to nonsurgical management, such as activity modifications or bracing. Surgical fixation of displaced lesser trochanteric avulsion fractures has been described in the literature but only in isolated case studies. This video demonstrates the technique for minimally invasive open repair of a displaced lesser trochanter fracture via suture button fixation in an elite adolescent ballerina. An overview of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of displaced lesser trochanteric avulsion fractures is discussed. The case presentation of a 15-year-old, skeletally mature, female ballerina who was in a preprofessional program is discussed. The patient had acute right groin pain after performing a series of leaps at the end of a ballet class. Radiographic and MRI evidence of a displaced lesser trochanteric avulsion fracture were observed, and the patient had debilitating pain and was unable to dance. Surgical management was indicated to restore the lesser trochanter to an anatomic position, with the goal of full hip flexor power. Postoperatively, a hinged hip brace was applied to keep the hip flexed, and the patient was instructed to remain toe-touch weight bearing for 6 weeks. At 6 weeks postoperatively, hip extension was gradually progressed in a monitored setting, and the patient was allowed to bear weight as tolerated. The patient entered a specialized, dance-specific physical therapy program available at our institution. At 6 months postoperatively, the patient had regained full range of hip motion and returned to her previous level of ballet. Lesser trochanteric avulsion fractures can severely affect patients with high physical demands on the hips. Although this procedure has been rarely described in the literature, open fixation of lesser trochanteric avulsion fractures is a safe, minimally invasive, and low-profile treatment option that allows high-level athletes to achieve preinjury levels of function.