Avulsion Fracture of the Anterior Superior Iliac Spine with an Unusual Surgical Complication: Meralgia Paresthetica

Abstract

Avulsion fracture of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) is rare. Most cases occur in adolescents while they are playing competitive sports or participating in vigorous exercise. Operative treatment of ASIS avulsions may reduce the time to full recovery and should be considered for athletes requiring a short rehabilitation period. The occurrence of meralgia paresthetica (MP) following surgery for ASIS fracture is uncommon. A 15-year-old male athlete suffered from sudden onset of pain in the groin area while tap-dancing. The pain was very severe, rendering him unable to dance. Based on history and physical examination, a preliminary diagnosis of avulsion fracture of the right ASIS was made. Plain radiographs of pelvis confirmed the clinical diagnosis. After surgery his motor functions improved but he developed MP. This complication may have been due to an injury during surgery. MP can occur as the main symptom of ASIS fracture, and, as we report, an unusual complication of surgery for ASIS fracture.