Treatment for ischial tuberosity avulsion fractures in adolescent athletes

Purpose

Avulsion fractures of the ischial tuberosity are rare sports injuries typically occurring in young athletes. Their misdiagnosis may lead to chronic pain or disability. The aim of this study is to report a retrospective series of patients sustaining a fracture of the ischial tuberosity and to propose decision guidelines.

Methods

The mechanism of accident, the diagnostic management, the mode of treatment and outcome after avulsion fractures of the ischial tuberosity in adolescents were analysed.

Results

Thirteen patients (1 female and 12 males) with a median age of 15 years (range 13–16 years) with an avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity were included. Twelve of these patients suffered from sports injuries leading to the avulsion fracture. Five of our patients with a displacement of >15 mm were treated operatively. The outcome was excellent in cases of acute presentation and osteosynthesis. Eight patients were treated conservatively: four of them showed a displacement of <15 mm and had an excellent outcome; and the other four patients had a displacement of >15 mm. Two of those patients had excellent outcome with regular bone healing, the remaining two patients developed pseudarthrosis associated with a good outcome.

Conclusion

The present paper shows that in patients with displacement of <15 mm, conservative treatment yields excellent results and early operative intervention should be considered in physically active patients with displacement of >15 mm.

Level of evidence

IV.