Sacral Stress Fracture
Overview
Risk Factors
This problem is more common in young athletes and older women with osteoporosis. Other things that may raise the risk are:
- Female athlete triad
- Having problems that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis
- Playing some sports, such as gymnastics or football
- Long-distance running
- Weight-bearing activities, such as weight lifting or military training
- Radiation therapy
- History of Paget disease, hyperparathyroidism, osteopenia, or rheumatoid arthritis
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
The most common problem is low back pain. Other problems may be:
- Pain in hip or pelvis
- Pain in buttocks or groin
- Lower back tenderness
- Swelling at lower back
- Pain during exercise
Treatments
Treatment
It will take several weeks for most people to heal. The goals of treatment are to manage pain and support the bone as it heals. This may include:
- Medicine to ease pain and swelling
- A corset or brace to support the bone as it heals
- A cane or other device to take weight off of the lower back
- Exercises to help with strength and range of motion
Non-Surgical Procedures
These treatments may be done to reduce healing time by stimulating bone growth:
- Electrical stimulation—Electrical and magnetic impulses stimulate enzymes to increase bone cell formation
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy—High-energy shock waves are passed through body tissues to stimulate growth factors to increase bone cell formation
- Vertebroplasty—Small amounts of bone cement are injected into fracture lines. This is not done often.
Surgery
Some people may need surgery when other methods do not help. Bones are reconnected and held in place with screws or a plate.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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