AVULSION FRACTURE OF THE ISCHIAL TUBEROSITY CAUSES SCIATICA

Avulsion fractures of the ischial tuberosity are rare. They are often caused by a typical ''splits''-like accident. In general the patients feel sudden severe pain in the buttock with localized tenderness in th e region of the ischial tuberosity, rarely in combination with sciatic nerve irritation. According to the functional anatomy, flexion of the knee and extension of the hip may be impaired. Roentgenograms often r eveal no abnormality and show no evidence of fracture. Therefore, inad equate therapy because of missed diagnosis can result in avoidable per sistent pain. We report on a 42-year-old man with an avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity. The epidemiology, symptoms, including irri tation of the sciatic nerve, differential diagnoses, diagnostic proced ures and therapy are presented in detail.