Sacral fatigue fracture in a female runner: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
This case report describes and discusses the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of a patient with a sacral fatigue fracture.


METHODS
A 26-year-old female long-distance runner presented with nonspecific low-back and buttock pain that prevented her from training.


RESULTS
Radiographic findings on the patient's lumbar spine and pelvis were interpreted as normal. Single-photon emission computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed, revealing a fatigue fracture of the left sacral ala. The patient discontinued training for 6 months and gradually returned to running.


CONCLUSIONS
A high index of suspicion should prompt investigation with skeletal scintigraphy, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Sacral stress fractures may respond well to conservative measures if diagnosed in a timely fashion.
Haun
Daniel W
DW
Logan College of Chiropractic, Chesterfield, MO, USA.
Kettner
Norman W
NW
Yochum
Terry R
TR
Green
Richard L
RL
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015775:Fractures, Stress / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011859:Radiography; D012420:Running / Q000293:injuries*; D012447:Sacrum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon