SPINA ILIACA ANTERIOR INFERIOR AVULSION FRACTURE IN A 35 YEARS OLD RECREATIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYER: CASE REPORT

Abstract

Spina iliaca anterior inferior (SIAI) avulsion fractures are seen especially in adolescent athletes. The injury generally occurs following the tendon's separation from its proximal adherence location with a piece of bone upon sudden contraction of the rectus femoris muscle. It is very uncommon in adults. The case, a 35 year-old male felt sudden pain and dislocation, when playing football. The requested ultrasonography was interpreted as normal, and rest and medication was recommended. The patient carried on playing recreational football without having his complaints completely disappear. A year later, he was admitted to the clinic, as his complaints increased. He was diagnosed with SIAI avulsion fracture, following physical examination and scans. SIAI avulsion fractures generally occur in apophyseal bones of adolescents and children. Clinically these injuries are accompanied with pain and muscle function loss, and initially it can be considered as a muscle injury. Because it is very uncommon in adults, due to apophysis closure, SIAI avulsion fractures are not considered among possible diagnoses. For this reason, it is very easy to get an incorrect or late diagnosis during initial controls. In the present case, SIAI avulsion fracture was not considered among possible pre-diagnoses, and the true diagnosis was delayed by a year. Thus, even if it is rarely, seen, avulsion fractures should be considered as possible diagnoses, in sports injuries of the anterior pelvic region.