Pelvic Avulsion Fracture
A pelvis avulsion fracture is a break in the pelvis bone caused by a strong muscular contraction pulling a chunk of bone away from it's attachment point. This most commonly occurs at the ischial tuberosity where the hamstrings attach or the AIIS at the front where the Rectus Femoris attaches.
Symptoms of a Pelvic Avulsion Fracture
- Sudden pain during activity, usually during a powerful movement.
- Pain at the back of the pelvis in the crease of the buttock may be an ischial tiberosity avulsion fracture.
- Pain at the front of the hip where the bone can be felt may be an ASIS (anterior superior iliac spine) avulsion fracture.
- Tenderness to feel the area in question.
- Weakness into hip extension and knee flexion (for ischial tuberosity injuries).
- Weakness into hip flexion and knee extension for ASIS injuries.
- Bruising and swelling in the area.
Treatment
- If this injury is supected, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Rest the area as much as possible.
- Apply ice regularly for the first 2-3 days to ease pain and inflammation.
- An X-ray will help confirm the diagnosis.
- Generaly the treatment for a pelvic avulsion fracture is rest. They tend to heal on their own in 4-6 weeks.
- In some cases surgery may be performed to re-attach the bone and tendon to the pelvis. This is mainly reserved for large fractures of where the fracture is displaced considerably.
- Following the rest period, a gradual rehabilitation programme can be commenced which aims to regain full strength and movement at the hip.
