Stress Fractures/ Avulsion Fractures

The Injury

when a piece of pelvic (hip bones) breaks. This happens when a muscle contracts (tightens) so hard that it pulls off pieces of bone where the muscle and tendon connect to the bone.

Signs and Symptoms

Sudden Pain Trouble moving Tender to palpation

Common places

Iliac Spine: where the Sartorius connects to the pelvis where the rectus femoris muscle attaches to the front of the pelviswhere the hamstring muscle group attaches to the ischial tuberosity

Causes

Unexpected, explosive muscle contraction sports where you must start and stop running very quickly, such as football, soccer, and basketball. Weight lifting can also cause this injury. Common in adolescents whose epiphyseal plates are not completely closed

Who???

Common in adolescents More common in Women than men Track athletes, especially hurdlersjumping, sprinting, or playing soccer or football

Treatment

Normally heal without surgeryKeep weight off Sometimes insert rods or screws Goal is to get normal ROM back1-3 months for pain to totally heal Needs 4-6 weeks of rest

Prevention and Precautions

StretchingExercises to stretch and strengthen your hip and back areaKeep bones strong- eat right After injured may need a cane crutches or walker to keep weight off May also need screws rods or plates