Groin and hip pain due to fractures at or near the pubic symphysis

Three patients with fractures at or near the pubic symphysis presented with groin pain simulating hip fracture or arthritis. A 71-year-old osteoarthritic woman was treated with a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) and exercises for right-sided sciatic pain after a minor fall, but developed left groin pain and tenderness over the pubic symphysis after two days of exercise. She had an impacted fracture of the left pubic symphysis which responded to use of a cane. The second patient was a 90-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis (on steroids) who complained of right hip pain after a series of falls in her home. Initially treated with Buck traction for a presumed hip fracture, she was later treated with heat and exercises after negative hip x-rays were obtained. Retrospective analysis of pelvic films and bone scan revealed a right pubic symphysis fracture. The third patient was an 83-year-old rheumatoid arthritic woman with inability to walk secondary to left groin pain. Pubic tomograms revealed disruption of the superior aspect, and bone scan showed increased uptake of the left pubic bone. She was treated with moist heat, rest, and NSAID. Twenty-four cases of os pubis fractures without major trauma or symphysis disruption have been reported. All patients had osteoporosis, and six had rheumatoid arthritis. Our three cases are presented to increase awareness of pubic symphysis fractures as a cause for groin pain, especially in patients with osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.     

Fracture-avulsion de l’épine iliaque antéro-inférieure et du petit trochanter chez un jeune adolescent

The avulsion fractures of the anterior-inferior iliac spine and lesser trochanter are rare. They occur most often in adolescents during sports activities. The forms in adults are rare. We report a case in a young 15-year-old teenager. He had consulted for pelvic trauma with groin pain and functional impotence of the right lower limb occurred during a recent game in triple jump. Physical examination revealed pain in the mobilization of the right hip in extension. Standard radiography of the pelvis has highlighted an avulsion fracture of the anterior-inferior iliac spine avulsion of the right with small trochanter, which has been confirmed by computed tomography. The patient has been treated orthopedically by rest and landfilling lower limb trauma, evolution was marked the disappearance of pain a few weeks later and resumption of the sporting activity in order to 6 months.     

Prevalence of Traumatic Hip and Pelvic Fractures in Patients with Suspected Hip Fracture and Negative Initial Standard Radiographs—A Study of Emergency Department Patients

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of hip and pelvic fractures in emergency department (ED) patients with hip pain and negative standard initial radiographs. Methods: This was a retrospective, cohort study at an academic, community‐based ED. ED patients presenting during a one‐year period with hip pain for whom a plain‐film radiograph was obtained were included. Eligible patients were identified by query of electronic records. Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were ordered at the discretion of the treating physician. Initial plain radiographs were read at the point of care by board‐certified radiologists. MRI images were reviewed by radiologists with fellowship training in musculoskeletal imaging. Structured follow‐up at more than one month postvisit was conducted to rule out a subsequent diagnosis of hip fracture. Ninety‐five‐percent confidence intervals (95% CIs) and kappa (κ) were calculated as appropriate. Results: Seven hundred sixty‐four of 895 patients (85.3%) had follow‐up completed (study group). Within the study group, 219 patients (29%) had evidence of fracture on initial radiographs. Of the 545 patients with negative initial radiographs, 62 patients (11.4%) underwent hip MRI during the ED visit. MRI identified 24 additional patients with hip fractures. Interobserver agreement for the presence of fracture on MRI was very good (κ= 0.847). For patients with negative initial plain radiographs who did not have a hip MRI, follow‐up did not identify any of these patients as having a subsequent diagnosis of fracture. Thus, 24 of 545 (4.4%; 95% CI = 3.0% to 6.5%) patients with negative initial plain radiographs had a hip fracture. Conclusions: In this cohort of ED patients with symptoms suspicious for hip fracture who had negative standard radiographs, the authors found that 4.4% were subsequently diagnosed as having fracture. Further studies are warranted to identify characteristics of patients requiring advanced hip imaging studies.     

Traumatic pelvic fractures

Pelvic fractures can be a big challenge in caring for the injured patient. Pelvic fractures are important as a cause for morbitidy and mortality. The mortality can be 30% with unstable pelvic ring injuries, and 10-12% of this percentage alone is due to blood loss. Multiple complications can occur during a pelvic fracture. This article will help nurses assess and manage patients with pelvic injuries. Topics covered in the article include basic anatomy of the pelvis, diagnostic tests performed after a pelvic fracture, types of pelvic fractures, management of pelvic fractures, and complications.     

MR imaging of sports-related groin pain

With increasing participation in professional and recreational athletics, activity-limiting pelvic and groin pain presents a growing challenge for patients and health care providers. The causes of musculoskeletal-related groin pain among athletes are diverse, with considerable overlap in history and physical examination findings. Pubalgia is a clinical diagnosis invoked when no more specific cause ofa patient's symptoms can be determined on history and physical examination. In many cases, dedicated MR imaging of the hip and pelvis can provide a prompt and specific diagnosis, which allows for early treatment and return to participation.     

聚-DL-乳酸可吸收螺钉应用于Pipkin骨折13例:中长期安全性随访

目的:评价聚-DL-乳酸可吸收螺钉在髋关节后脱位合并股骨头骨折(Pipkin骨折)中的应用疗效及安全性.方法:选择2002-03/2007-10苏州大学附属第一医院骨科和吴江市第三人民医院骨科入选的Pipkin骨折患者13例,男10例,女3例:平均年龄30.5岁.按Pipkin分型,Ⅰ型6例,Ⅱ型4例,Ⅳ型3例.切口采用后侧Kocher-Langenbeck入路.结果:平均随访47.9个月,骨折均得以愈合,1例出现股骨头坏死,1例存在髋关节持续疼痛,未见异位骨化发生.未发生材料断裂、松动等材料反应.髋关节功能按Harris评分:Pipkin I型平均85分,Ⅱ型90分,Ⅳ型77分.按Thompson-Epstein评价标准:优3例,良8例,一般1例和差1例,优良率84.6%.结论:聚-DL-乳酸可吸收螺钉是治疗Pipkin骨折安全有效的内固定材料.     

Groin injuries and groin pain in athletes: part 2

Sports injuries to the hip and groin region have been noted in 5% to 9% of high school athletes. These injuries occur most commonly in athletes participating in sports involving side-to-side cutting, quick accelerations and decelerations, and sudden directional changes.Symptoms may range from intermittent episodes of mild discomfort to severe and chronic career-ending pain. Groin injuries may result from a variety of causes. Although this article deals mainly with athletic etiologies, the physician must keep in mind that many other medical conditions may also affect the groin. Because of these overlapping medical conditions and because the anatomy of the region is so complex, a team approach is optimal. In the second of this two-part series, disorders of the os pubis, stress fractures and various hip pathologies are reviewed as causes of groin pain.     

Psoas compartment blockade in a laterally herniated disc compressing the psoas muscle -a case report-

A psoas compartment block has been used to provide anesthesia for orthopedic surgical procedures and analgesia for post-operative pain. Currently, this block is advocated for relieving pain in the lower extremity and pelvic area resulting from various origins. We report a case of a 69-year-old male patient who had gait abnormality with posterior pelvic and hip pain, which were both aggravated by hip extension. From the magnetic resonance image, the patient was found to have a laterally herniated intervertebral disc at the L2/3 level, which compressed the right psoas muscle. This was thought to be the origin of the pain, so a psoas compartment block was performed using 0.25% chirocaine with triamcinolone 5mg, and the pain in both the pelvis and hip were relieved.     

Pelvic fractures: an analysis of factors affecting prehospital triage and patient outcome

Using an established prehospital regional triage protocol, 175 patients sustaining fractures of the pelvis were managed in a level one trauma center during a 38-month interval. The majority of injuries (51.7%) were caused by motor vehicle accidents and involved an average trauma score (TS) of 13 and an average injury severity score (ISS) of 24. The overall mortality was 16%; 43.5% had open fractures, 13.2% had closed fractures, and 30.6% had been in pedestrian accidents. Significant risk factors for mortality were age, blood pressure on admission, associated injuries, and the presence of an open pelvic fracture. It appears that TS alone is not reliable in prehospital triage of patients with pelvic fractures. Age and mechanism of injury may better identify the patient at risk for morbidity and mortality.     

Ultrasound-Guided Steroid Injection for Obturator Neuralgia

▪ Abstract:   Obturator neuralgia (ON) presents with pain in the groin, medial thigh, and sometimes the medial aspect of the knee. The causes include trauma, obturator hernia, pelvic cancer, pelvic surgery, hip surgery, following pelvic fractures, endometriosis, retroperitoneal hematoma, pregnancy, and delivery. Ultrasound (US) guidance facilitates real-time imaging, identification of vascular structures, and improves patient comfort in situations where nerve stimulation can be unpleasant. This is a case report of ON successfully treated with US-guided steroid injection.
A 55-year-old man was referred to the pain clinic with groin pain and allodynia in the medial thigh and knee following a fall. He had tried multiple other therapies and none of them provided significant relief. Using a 10–5-MHz multi-frequency, 38-mm linear array transducer, the obturator nerve was scanned in both longitudinal and transverse directions. Under real-time imaging 10 mg of medroxy-progesterone in a volume of 1 mL was injected. Following the injection, a small area of the medial side of knee was still tender to light touch. A second injection was placed inferiorly and provided pain relief for more than 5 months.
This successful demonstration of US guidance in ON may further encourage US guidance in pain clinic interventions. ▪     

Pelvic fractures: classification and nursing management

Fractures to the pelvis can occur as a result of low-energy or high-energy trauma. Pelvic fractures may be associated with significant internal bleeding and injury to the organs within the pelvis. Patients with pelvic fractures often have complex healthcare needs; fractures resulting from high-energy trauma may be associated with multiple injuries, whereas fractures resulting from low-energy trauma, such as falls, may be associated with multiple patient comorbidities. Nurses have a fundamental role in the assessment and observation of the patient following pelvic fracture and are crucial in identifying any changes or deterioration in the patient's condition that require prompt intervention. This article focuses on the relevant anatomy of the pelvis, epidemiology and classification of pelvic fractures, and outlines the management and complications of pelvic fractures.     

Emergency department evaluation and treatment of pelvic fractures

Pelvic fractures are associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. This article reviews the anatomy of the pelvis, discusses fracture patterns commonly seen in patients with an injured pelvis, and proposes a new method of classifying pelvic fractures based on potential associated injuries. Finally, algorithms for the management of hemodynamically stable and unstable patients with pelvic fractures are presented.     

Osteogenesis imperfecta in a weightlifter

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the case of a 42-yr-old weightlifter with osteogenesis imperfecta. CLINICAL FEATURES: The patient had bilateral acute elbow pain and a previous history of more than 35 fractures of the spine and extremities. INTERVENTION: There is no current treatment for osteogenesis imperfecta. Treatment objectives were designed to minimize pain, improve range of motion, and decrease stress on the elbow joints. Nutritional supplementation was used to help maintain bone density. The elbow pain improved with treatment, and the patient has had no new fractures in the last 6 years. CONCLUSION: Although most patients with osteogenesis imperfecta are physically inactive because of the high risk of fracture, some patients with milder forms of the condition may be involved in some athletic activities. Although manipulation is contraindicated in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, chiropractors may be of service by offering pain relief and rehabilitation, in addition to advice regarding nutrition and supplements.     

护理干预对骨盆骨折患者的效果评价

目的 探讨经髂腹股沟入路重建钢板内固定治疗骨盆骨折的效果及护理体会.方法 对26例不稳定骨盆骨折患者行经髂腹股沟人路切开复位内固定术治疗,密切关注患者病情变化,采取护理干预.结果 术后随访0.5～5.0年,无明显并发症,手术治疗效果为优16例、良7例、可3例.所有患者经整体护理后,出现焦虑、恐惧、抑郁等心理的比例显著低于护理前.结论 经髂腹股沟人路重建钢板内固定治疗骨盆骨折,复位准确,牢固可靠,效果较好,有效的护理措施,能够挽救骨盆骨折患者生命,加快其生理功能的康复,提高患者的生活质量.     

The diagnostic and therapeutic challenge of femoral head osteoid osteoma presenting as thigh pain: a case report

Osteoid osteoma, an infrequent but important cause of musculoskeletal pain, is often difficult to diagnose. We present a case of a 31-year-old man who, for 2 years, had left groin pain radiating to the thigh. Symptoms began 1 month after a motorcycle crash in which he sustained only shin abrasions. Initial spine and hip radiographs were negative. Treatment with naproxen provided significant relief, but the symptoms gradually worsened over 6 months. An electromyogram and lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the left lower leg were unremarkable. Hip MRI revealed edema without fracture. Prophylactic femoral pinning for impending stress fracture provided no relief. Rheumatologic evaluation revealed normal serologies and synovial fluid. Cyclobenzaprine and sulfasalazine were started and provided mild relief. At presentation to our institution, he was in significant discomfort, but could ride a bicycle for exercise and was completing a home exercise program. He had antalgic gait and globally restricted hip motion with end-range pain. A neurologic examination showed no abnormalities. Hip and pelvis computed tomography scan revealed increased sclerosis of the femoral head, with a central lucency suggestive of osteoid osteoma. This was confirmed by biopsy. Radiofrequency ablation provided significant symptom relief.     

Groin injuries in athletes.

Groin injuries comprise 2 to 5 percent of all sports injuries. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are important to prevent these injuries from becoming chronic and potentially career-limiting. Adductor strains and osteitis pubis are the most common musculoskeletal causes of groin pain in athletes. These two conditions are often difficult to distinguish. Other etiologies of groin pain include sports hernia, groin disruption, iliopsoas bursitis, stress fractures, avulsion fractures, nerve compression and snapping hip syndrome.     

Outcomes and secondary prevention strategies for male hip fractures

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical outcomes and determine whether osteoporosis assessment and secondary prevention strategies were performed for male veterans hospitalized for hip fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review for male veterans hospitalized for hip fracture from January 1993 through July 1999. SETTING: The Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Madison, WI. RESULTS: Medical charts were available for 46 of 53 male patients admitted for hip fracture during the study period. Three subjects were excluded because hip fracture was associated with high-impact trauma. Mean age of the 43 study patients was 72 years (range 43-91 y), and mean length of hospitalization was 16 days (median 11 d, range 3-108 d). Thirty-two (82%) of 39 veterans whose disposition was documented were discharged to a nursing home. Eleven (26%) of 43 men died within 12 months after fracture. Twelve (28%) had fractured previously. Four (10%) subsequently had another fracture. Three of 9 patients with documented ambulation status were ambulatory at 1 year. Three patients received a bone mass measurement within a prespecified time interval of 6 months subsequent to fracture. No patient's records included a diagnosis of osteoporosis either before or within 6 months after fracture. One-third of the patients had documentation of calcium or multivitamin supplementation at discharge. One patient was receiving calcitonin at the time of fracture and continued to receive it afterward. No other patient was prescribed antiresorptive therapy by the time of hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Male veterans with hip fractures received inadequate evaluation and treatment for osteoporosis, although a substantial portion had documentation of recurrent fractures. Education of clinicians and creation of algorithms for management of established osteoporosis may improve outcomes for these individuals.     

Mediale Schenkelhalsfraktur nach arthroskopischer Offsetkorrektur

Background

Hip arthroscopy has been established over the past decade as a safe treatment of many hip diseases. Complications such as fractures of the femoral neck are very rare.

Case report

We report the case of a 54-year-old woman who developed a stress fracture of the femoral neck 5 weeks after arthroscopic femoral neck osteochondroplasty. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of a female patient.

Conclusions

Postoperative groin pain after load increase should the surgeon aware of a possible femoral neck stress fracture. For further diagnosis, physicians should not hesitate to ask for an MRI or a CT scan because conventional radiographs can be normal. Stable stress fractures can be treated conservatively with restricted weight bearing on 2 crutches for 6 weeks.