[Fractures due to bony insufficiency of the sacrum]

Six cases of insufficiency fracture of the sacrum were diagnosed in the Rheumatic Diseases Division of the CHUV during 1990. They show that this recently described entity is frequent. Present knowledge of the clinical course, predisposing factors, radiological findings and treatment is reviewed. This diagnosis should be considered in all cases of lower back pain occurring in postmenopausal women. Awareness of this entity should make it possible to avoid unnecessary invasive investigations.