Background: Avulsion fracture of the iliac crest apophysis is a rare condition that commonly occurs in adolescent athletes. Conservative treatment for this injury can produce excellent functional outcomes. However, the rehabilitation process requires a rather long immobilisation period. This study aimed to evaluate the use of cannulated screws for fixation of avulsion fractures of iliac crest apophysis.
Methods: Ten patients with avulsion fractures of iliac crest apophysis were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using cannulated screws.
Results: The mean age of patients was 14.6 years (range, 13-15 years). The mean intraoperative blood loss was 14.9 ml (range, 10-25 ml). The mean operative time was 40.3 min (range, 33-52 min). The mean follow-up period was 11.2 months (range, 6-20 months). At the 4-week follow-up, all patients returned to previously normal activity without pain and had no evidence of lower extremity muscle weakness. At the final follow-up, all patients resumed their athletic activity without any complications.
Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation for the treatment of avulsion fracture of iliac crest apophysis can be recommended for patients requiring rapid rehabilitation.
Keywords: Adolescents; Avulsion fracture; Iliac crest apophysis; Operative treatment; Rapid rehabilitation.
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