Pelvic Bone Avulsion Fracture

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KEY POINTS

• A pelvic avulsion fracture is an injury that happens when a muscle and tendon pull away a piece of bone from the hip. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that attach muscle to bone.
• The most important treatment is resting of the leg and hip. You may need to use crutches until you heal. Pelvic avulsion fractures usually heal with 4 to 6 weeks of rest.
• If the bony fragment is large or is severely torn away from the hip, you may need surgery.

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What is a pelvic bone avulsion fracture?

A pelvic avulsion fracture is an injury that happens when a muscle and tendon pull a piece of bone away from the hip. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that attach muscle to bone.

What is the cause?

An avulsion fracture may happen after sudden, forceful contraction of the muscle. For example, it may happen if you play a sport that involves sprinting, jumping, or sudden changes in direction. This injury is more likely to happen if you have tight muscles from not stretching or warming up before your activity.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include pain, tenderness, or swelling in the upper leg or hip.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and how the injury happened. Your provider will examine you. Tests may include X-rays or other scans.

How is it treated?

The most important treatment is resting of the leg and hip. You may need to use crutches until you heal. Pelvic avulsion fractures usually heal with 4 to 6 weeks of rest.

If the bony fragment is large or is severely torn away from the hip, you may need surgery.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow the full course of treatment your healthcare provider prescribes.

To keep swelling down and help relieve pain:

• Put an ice pack, gel pack, or package of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth on the injured area every 3 to 4 hours for up to 20 minutes at a time for the first day or two after the injury.
• Take pain medicine as directed by your healthcare provider.

Ask your provider:

• How and when you will get your test results
• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

How can I help prevent pelvic avulsion fractures?

Since tight muscles are a common cause of avulsion fractures, be sure to do warm-up exercises and stretching before activities.