Osteoporotic insufficiency fractures of the pelvis

Abstract

Insufficiency fractures are a subtype of stress fractures which occur when normal or physiological stresses are placed on weakened bone. The main predisposing cause is osteoporosis. The clinical and radiological features of two elderly women with pelvic insufficiency fractures are described. Isotope bone scan is the most sensitive imaging modality for the detection of these fractures. Computed tomography is useful for confirming these fractures and excluding malignancy. As pelvic insufficiency fractures are difficult to detect clinically, application of the appropriate radiological investigation is necessary for diagnosis. With early recognition of this entity, the patient could be managed appropriately, thus avoiding any unnecessary invasive investigations.