Acute Avulsion of the Iliac Crest Apophysis in an Adolescent Indoor Soccer

Abstract

We report a typical case of acute avulsion of the anterior iliac crest apophysis diagnosed in an indoor football player. The injury occurred as a result of a sudden twist of the trunk while kicking. Plain radiographs made the diagnosis. Complementary CT with 3D reconstructions was preferred to ultrasound because of the very strong habitus – 110 kilograms for 1,73 meter – of the 15-year old adolescent. CT confirmed that occult chronic mechanical stress on the iliac apophysis had preceded the acute avulsion and also emphasized the crucial role of the tensor fascia lata in the mechanism of the injury. The patient was successfully treated conservatively. The case is presented with a short review of the literature.

Keywords

• Apophyseal fracture , avulsion fracture , apophysis , pelvis , iliac crest