Bilateral acetabular fractures in an adolescent after low-energy trauma

Abstract

Background: Pediatric pelvic fractures are rare, accounting for approximately 2.4% to 5.5% of annual admissions at large level I trauma centers. An acetabular fracture is involved in only about 1% to 15% of these cases and is almost exclusively caused by a high-energy trauma.

Methods: This is a report of an otherwise healthy 15-year-old male adolescent who sustained a nondisplaced bilateral anterior column and wall acetabular fracture after a low-energy mechanism during a hockey game. The patient was managed nonoperatively with non-weight-bearing restrictions and had complete resolution of his symptoms by 10 weeks.

Results: This case shows that a low-energy mechanism can create significant bilateral acetabular fractures in the immature skeleton.

Conclusions: The presented case may represent an underdiagnosed cause of hip and groin pain in the adolescent patient/athlete when initial radiographs appear normal.