Question
Last month, a patient fell off a chair, resulting in a fracture of the lesser trochanter of the left femur. The patient has already undergone cast immobilization but still experiences severe pain and is unable to proceed with normal rehabilitation treatments. The patient is concerned about the seriousness of this fracture and whether there will be any long-term complications.
Answer
A fracture of the lesser trochanter of the femur is indeed serious. Since this type of fracture occurs at the joint site, if not treated promptly and appropriately, it may later develop into traumatic arthritis, thereby affecting joint function. The patient has already undergone cast immobilization, which is a positive treatment step. If the fracture site is not optimal, surgical incision and internal fixation may be necessary. As long as the patient follows the doctor’s instructions and actively undergoes treatment, long-term complications are usually avoidable.