avulsion injury of the pelvis

Last reviewed 01/2018

These injuries occur most commonly in athletes and sportsmen. Violent muscle contraction causes the avulsion of a piece of pelvis. The most common sites are:

• Anterior superior iliac spine - sartorius
• Anterior inferior iliac spine - rectus femoris
• Pubis - adductor longus
• Ischium - hamstrings

Presentation is typically with tenderness at the site of avulsion and pain to resisted action of the affected muscle. Avulsion is often seen at the site on X-ray.

The only treatment required is a few days rest (which is not an easy pill to swallow for a dedicated sportsman) and reassurance.