Isolated avulsion fracture of the humeral lesser tuberosity in an adolescent tennis player: A case report and review of the literature: Avulsion microtraumatique isolée du tubercule mineur de l’humérus chez un joueur de tennis adolescent : à propos d’un cas et revue de la littérature

Isolated avulsion fractures of the lesser tuberosity of the humerus are uncommon in skeletally immature athletes. Three different mecanisms of injury have been described and knowledge of their existence, together with a complete physical examination is important for early diagnosis. We present the case of a 13-year-old tennis player with an avulsion-fracture after a “normal” forehand. X-ray and MRI rapidly confirmed the diagnosis. As our case demonstrates, isolated avulsion fractures of the lesser tuberosity with minimal displacement, early diagnosis and non top level athletes can have excellent results with conservative treatment. In agreement with the literature, we advise surgical treatment if displacement is severe, tendinous lesions are associated or if diagnosis is made at a chronic stage.