Operative treatment of avulsion fractures of the anterior superior iliac spine according to the tension band principle

Avulsion fractures of the anterior superior iliac spine are uncommon injuries. Most of them occur in adolescent athletes. Traditionally, they have been treated conservatively. We describe operative treatment of avulsion fractures that might shorten the period of rehabilitation. Six patients with avulsion fractures of the anterior superior iliac spine were treated operatively by open reduction and osteosynthesis with two Kirschner wires and a wire loop. After 6 weeks, all of them had resumed their sports activities. No complications were recorded. Operative treatment of anterior superior iliac spine avulsions may reduce the time to full recovery. It should be considered for athletes requiring a short period of rehabilitation.