Refractory pelvic stress fracture in a female long-distance runner

Stress fractures of the pelvis are uncommon. They tend to occur in female long-distance runners. We present the case of a female jogger with amenorrhea and osteoporosis who presented with left hip and groin pain. An initial bone scan yielded normal results. Symptoms persisted and subsequent plain radiographs and a repeat bone scan revealed evidence of public rami stress fractures. She developed a delayed union that ultimately healed with an electrical bone growth stimulator.