Avulsion fracture of the anterior superior iliac spine in a collegiate distance runner.

Abstract

Overuse injuries are a common occurrence with distance runners, yet injuries to the iliac crest are rare in this population. When an iliac crest injury occurs, it is usually associated with the weak unossified growth plate. The condition may present itself as apophysitis and may progress to an avulsion fracture. This is a report of a rare case in which a collegiate distance runner had an avulsion fracture of his anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). Treatment consisted of rest followed by nonweight-bearing graded exercise performed in the pool and on a Schwinn Airdyne. The graded exercise not only strengthened and stabilized the muscles acting on the hip and thigh, but it also enabled the athlete to maintain his cardiorespiratory endurance. He returned to competition three weeks after the injury.