The Hip: Avulsion Fractures

Pelvic avulsion fractures are indirect injuries that may involve the ischial tuberosity (IT), the two anterior iliac spines, the iliac crest (IC), or the trochanters of adolescent athletes usually after sudden eccentric muscular contractions. Most of these fractures will heal with conservative treatment, but recognizing excessive displacement is essential to select those few patients who might benefit from surgical fixation, avoiding long-term functional impairment. Diagnosis, treatment options, and potential sequelae are discussed.