Avulsion fracture: How is it treated?

Treatment of an avulsion fracture most often includes resting and icing the affected area. Then there are exercises to help restore range of motion of the joint, build muscle strength and help the bone heal. Most avulsion fractures heal well without surgery.

An avulsion fracture happens when a small piece of bone attached to a tendon or ligament pulls away from the main part of the bone.

The hip, elbow and ankle are the most common sites of avulsion fractures in young athletes. Those who have an avulsion fracture around the hip may need to use crutches for a few weeks. An avulsion fracture to the foot or ankle may need a cast or walking boot.

Rarely, the bone fragment and main bone are too far apart to heal on their own. So they may need surgery. This mainly happens in children whose growth plates are not closed. In children, growth plates are at the ends of long bones where bones grow.