A rare case of avulsion fracture of the iliac crest apophysis in a young female athlete

Abstract

Avulsion fractures of the iliac crest in the adolescent are rare injuries poorly described in literature. The rarity of this injury along with the late ossification of the growth plate of the iliac crest can lead to misdiagnosis and improper treatment. In presence of high clinical suspicion and negative x-ray findings, second level imaging is advisable. Case reports and some case series report on successful outcome of both surgical and non-surgical treatment. We present the case of a fifteen year old female athlete who sustained an avulsion fracture of the iliac crest during a running race. The patient was treated conservatively and returned to previous sport activities after four months from injury. Mechanism of injury, diagnostic options and treatment opportunities are also described. Keywords: Apophyseal fracture, Avulsion fracture, Pelvis, Iliac crest, Fracture in athletes