Postpartum sacral fracture presenting as lumbar radiculopathy: a case report

Although rare, sacral stress fractures may occur in pregnant women, and osteoporosis of pregnancy is a poorly understood entity. We present the case of a young, postpartum, recreational runner who developed low back pain (LBP) and radicular symptoms suggestive of L5 radiculopathy found to be secondary to sacral stress fracture. The patient had a good clinical outcome after several months and was able to resume her normal activities. This case illustrates that clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for sacral stress fracture in athletic pregnant or postpartum women presenting with LBP and/or lumbar radiculopathy. Also included are a brief review of osteoporosis in pregnancy and guidelines on the diagnosis and management of sacral stress fractures.