What types of fractures can occur?
Avulsion Fractures These injuries occur in younger people and are not common. They are often the result of sports as the patient makes an extra effort in a situation of mechanical disadvantage. Thus trying to spring up, straightening the knee when the load is suddenly increased may result in a pull-off fracture of the site of origin of rectus femoris, one of the muscles that straightens the knee. This point of attachment is the anterior inferior iliac spine in the groin. Avulsion fracture of the hamstring origin (the ischial tuberosity) is less common; a ruptured hamstring muscle occurs more frequently. These injuries generally heal without the need for surgery. Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis In osteoporotic elderly patients, a fall compressing the pelvis may result in a fracture through the pubic rami. Both rami on one side are usually broken but this is an exception to the rule about a ring only breaking in one place. Although it must be looked for, it is uncommon for there to be
