Ischial Tuberosity Avulsion Fracture in a Young Female Ballet Dancer.

Abstract

A 14-year-old female ballet dancer sustained an injury during a routine ballet movement that was diagnosed as an ischial tuberosity avulsion fracture. This diagnosis was complicated by extensive soft tissue injury to the hamstrings, adductors, and external rotator musculature. Although uncommon, the potential for this injury should be uniformly considered in adolescent dancers due to the unique stresses in ballet training and the added risk of growth spurts during this stage of development. Prevention targeting individual deficiencies in flexibility and strength is essential to avoid similar devastating injuries. In most cases that are diagnosed early, avulsions heal with conservative treatment. Early imaging and correct diagnosis can serve to guide clinical management and prevent unnecessary surgery in the young dancer.