What are the 3 Most Common Sites for an Avulsion Fracture?

Top 3 Sites for Avulsion Fractures: Causes, Symptoms & Recovery

An avulsion fracture is one where the bone attached to the ligament breaks apart from the main bone. The ligaments are the connecting structures between different bones. When there is a sudden direction change while moving, the bone attached to the ligament breaks and moves away from the main bone.

The bones that are deeply adherent to a ligament are the most prone to avulsion fractures. The major sites for an avulsion fracture include the elbow, hip, and ankle. Hence, understanding the various risks and most common sites of avulsion fractures is extremely crucial to prevent such injuries in the first place.

Keep reading to know about the various important aspects of avulsion fracture, like the cause, the common sites of an avulsion fracture, the diagnostic test of avulsion fracture, the symptoms of avulsion fracture, and more.

What is the Cause of an Avulsion Fracture?

An avulsion fracture usually occurs when the tendons and ligaments are strongly attached to the bone. It is quite common among sports professionals involved in games such as lacrosse, boxing, baseball, football, and others. These activities put immense stress on your limbs due to the sudden change of direction, leaping, sprinting, kicking, falling on an outstretched hand, sudden acceleration and deceleration, and sliding.

What are the common sites of an avulsion fracture?

The common sites of avulsion fracture include:

1. Hip : Avulsion fractures around the hip, such as iliac crest avulsion fractures, are common in young athletes, especially those participating in running or jumping activities.
2. Elbow : Elbow avulsion fractures, most often related to the olecranon (the bony prominence of the posterior elbow), are prevalent in young, active individuals.
3. Ankle : These areas are prone to avulsion fractures depending on the stresses incurred during sports and activities like walking, running, and jumping.

What are the symptoms of an avulsion fracture?

The most evident symptom of an avulsion fracture tends to be pain with the inability to move that body part. Other symptoms may include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Elevated temperature over the swelling
• Muscle pain
• A popping or cracking sound
• Pain that spreads to nearby parts
• Difficulty in mobilisation

What is the diagnostic approach to avulsion fractures?

The primary diagnosis that a healthcare professional makes is a detailed history of the events preceding the fracture. Next, they will go on to inspect the area of suspected fracture and test its mobility. Later on, they will prescribe some imaging studies to better visualise your injury. The imaging studies include:

1. X-Ray : An X-ray is required to better understand the condition of the bones and joints.
2. Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan) : A CT scan helps to visualise the status of the soft tissues surrounding the area of suspected fracture. It also gives a more precise view of the bones and joints. However, it is done if the X-rays turn out to be unclear.

What is the treatment option for avulsion fracture?

The treatment modality for avulsion fracture is the same as for any other general fracture. The general treatment includes:

• Immobilisation of the affected area by a cast or splint
• Anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications
• Restriction of movement
• Ice packing the area
• Physiotherapy with mild exercises

Once the pain gets under control, the doctor would recommend range-of-motion exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist.

Surgery is recommended only in severe cases with joint instability.

What are the surgical options available?

In most cases, except the most extreme ones, avulsion fractures do not require surgery. Surgery is typically recommended if the bone fragment is significantly displaced, causing joint instability, or if the fracture involves a large portion of the joint surface. The specific amount of displacement that requires surgery varies greatly depending on the location and function of the involved bone and tendon. Your surgeon ought to then perform one of two specific things:

1. Open reduction : The doctor makes a cut, or an incision, in your body during this kind of operation. The doctor then carefully positions the bones so they are properly aligned.
2. Internal fixation : Your bones are immobilised in place by the surgeon using metal hardware. Some examples of the hardware are pins, plates, screws and rods. This hardware may be left in place permanently or removed in a later procedure once the bone has fully healed, depending on the location and patient factors.

What is the time taken for avulsion fractures to heal?

The usual time taken for an avulsion fracture to heal is about three to twelve weeks. The doctor would provide you with a cast or a splint to restrict the movement of the region. When the pelvis undergoes an avulsion fracture, the doctor cannot apply a cast or splint. In such a case, the doctor advises complete rest for some time, followed by the use of crutches.

Avulsion fractures are quite serious, as they can impair movement. Understanding the mechanism of fractures and the sites vulnerable to fractures can help you prevent fractures in the first place. It is necessary to consult a healthcare professional in case of an avulsion fracture.

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→ 7 types of Fractures

→ Different Types of Avulsion

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