Sacral Fatigue Fracture in a Female Runner: A Case Report

ObjectiveThis case report describes and discusses the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of a patient with a sacral fatigue fracture.Clinical FeaturesA 26-year-old female long-distance runner presented with nonspecific low-back and buttock pain that prevented her from training.Intervention and OutcomeRadiographic findings on the patient's lumbar spine and pelvis were interpreted as normal. Single-photon emission computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed, revealing a fatigue fracture of the left sacral ala. The patient discontinued training for 6 months and gradually returned to running.ConclusionsA high index of suspicion should prompt investigation with skeletal scintigraphy, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Sacral stress fractures may respond well to conservative measures if diagnosed in a timely fashion.