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Sacral fatigue fracture in a female runner: a case report
Daniel W Haun1, Norman W Kettner, Terry R Yochum
1Logan College of Chiropractic, Chesterfield, MO, USA.
Objective:
This case report describes and discusses the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of a patient with a sacral fatigue fracture.
Clinical Features:
A 26-year-old female long-distance runner presented with nonspecific low-back and buttock pain that prevented her from training.
Intervention And Outcome:
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.