A surgical approach for an avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity: a case report

Abstract

We report a case of an avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity treated with a new surgical approach early after injury. Although surgical treatment of this fracture is usually avoided because of the difficulty of the procedure and the risk of sciatic nerve complication, we believe our subgluteal approach is simple and safe. We therefore recommend it for treating avulsion fractures of the ischial tuberosity, especially when the fragment is displaced by >2 cm and the sciatic nerve is not involved. If there is clinical evidence of sciatic nerve disturbance, it is likewise an indication for surgery. However, the incision needs to be deepened to approach the nerve, along the lines of the incisions advocated by both Miller and Spinner.