Results of Non-operative and Operative Management Of Apophyseal Avulsion Fractures of the Hip and Pelvis in Adolescent Athletes

OBJECTIVES: Apophyseal avulsion fractures of the hip and pelvis occur almost exclusively in the adolescent population, with greater numbers being seen recently as the popularity and intensity of youth sports increases. Limited evidence exists detailing the demographics or distribution of these fractures by injury site. The goal of the current study was to present a comprehensive perspective on 437 of these fractures, including the indications and clinical course of 25 cases that underwent surgical intervention. METHODS: All cases of an apophyseal avulsion fracture of the hip or pelvis between the years of 1981-2012 at a tertiary care pediatric center underwent radiographic and chart review, including operative details for that sub-population. Demographic data was analyzed, along with radiographic displacement, healing times, and return to sports for both groups. RESULTS: 413 patients underwent definitive non-operative treatment, 72% of which were male. The mean age was 14.5 years. The anatomic site of injury was well-distributed: AIIS 29%, ASIS 27%, ischial tuberosity 17%, lesser trochanter 15%, and iliac crest 11%. Half of all injuries occurred during one of three different athletic activities (soccer 26%, track 13%, baseball/softball 11%), with a wide range of sports in the overall cohort. In the 287 nonop cases with adequate follow up data to confirm mean radiographic union and time of return to sports (RTS), healing occurred at 2.7 months and RTS at 2.8 months respectively. The mean age of the cohort of 25 patients who ultimately required operative treatment was 15.7 years, with 72% of cases being initially treated with nonoperative measures. The ischial tuberosity was the most common (64%) anatomic site with others including AIIS 16%, iliac crest 16%, and ASIS 4%. Excision of the apophyseal fragment was the intervention pursued for 48% of cases, with the mean time to union of 4.8 months in 11 cases which underwent fixation and had adequate follow up data. CONCLUSION: In over 400 cases of apophyseal avulsion fractures in an adolescent population, 94% were successfully treated nonoperatively, with mean times of healing and return to sports under 3 months. Most cases requiring surgery failed primary conservative care, many of which underwent fragment excision, rather than fixation, due to the chronic nature of their preoperative period. Better understanding of the rare indications for early fixation and functional outcome measures of both nonoperative and operative management of these injuries is warranted, particularly given their increasing frequency paralleling a rise in overuse and youth sports injuries.