Sacral stress fracture in a marathon runner

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Radiology

Background:

• Athletically induced sacral stress fractures are an infrequent cause of low back pain.
• Diagnosis is crucial for patients presenting with nonradicular low back or buttock pain.

Observation:

• Female distance runners are disproportionately affected by sacral stress fractures.
• These fractures are typically unilateral.

Findings:

• This case report details a rare instance of bilateral sacral stress fractures.
• The affected individual was a male runner.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider sacral stress fractures in the differential diagnosis of low back pain in athletes.
• This case expands the understanding of sacral stress fracture presentation beyond the typical demographic and fracture pattern.