What’s an Avulsion fracture?
An avulsion fracture occurs when a small piece of bone is pulled away from the main bone due to a forceful muscle contraction or trauma. In children, avulsion fractures commonly affect the pelvis, ankle, and knee area often as a result of sports activities or sudden, intense movements. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area. Early intervention is crucial for proper healing.
Avulsion fractures are common in children and are typically caused by sudden, forceful contractions of muscles during physical activities. In growing children, the bones are still developing, and the growth plates are vulnerable to injury.
Symptoms of an avulsion fracture may include:
- Sudden, sharp pain at the site of injury
- Swelling and bruising around the affected area
- Difficulty moving the injured limb or joint
- Tenderness when pressure is applied to the site of injury
- Limping or avoiding weight-bearing on the affected limb
In some cases, an avulsion fracture can lead to long-term issues if not properly treated, including muscle weakness and altered movement patterns. Therefore, it is important to have the area imaged and follow the advice of your doctor.
Most avulsion fractures do not require surgery. But your child will need to take time off from sports to allow their injured bone to heal.
Avulsion fractures occur most frequently in female athletes between the ages 13 and 14 and in male athletes between the ages of 15 and 17.
At The Back and Body Clinic, we understand the unique challenges that children with an avulsion fracture face. Our experienced team of physiotherapists and Osteopaths specialise in manual therapy and exercise prescription to promote healing and prevent future injury.
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