3 Types of Sacral Fractures

The sacrum is an upside-down triangle-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine. It is attached to the iliac bones on each side and sits above the coccyx (tailbone). The joints that connect the sacrum to the iliac bones of the pelvis are called the sacroiliac joints, or SI joints.

Injuries to the sacrum are uncommon and often overlooked. Especially in the setting of severe traumatic injuries, sacral injuries often occur in conjunction with other more severe injuries to the pelvis and/or abdomen.

radiologist discussing x-ray with woman
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Traumatic

Traumatic fractures of the sacrum can occur in conjunction with other types of pelvic and spinal fractures. These injuries commonly occur as a result of serious high-energy injuries including motor vehicle collisions and severe falls. About half of traumatic sacral fractures are associated with injuries to the nerves that exit the lowest segments of the spinal cord.

Stress

A sacral stress fracture occurs in young, active patients, commonly seen in female long-distance runners. These injuries are closely related to sacral insufficiency fractures, but the bone is usually not osteoporotic. Rather than the bone not being healthy enough, the activities simply are too much for the sacrum to withstand, and a stress fracture results.

Symptoms of a sacral stress fracture most commonly include back and buttock pain, and pain with activities such as running. Treatment must include resting from activities that cause pain. Usually, with a period of rest, the symptoms will resolve. Gradual resumption of activities is important to prevent a recurrence.

Insufficiency

Sacral insufficiency fractures occur in elderly patients with osteoporosis. These injuries may be the result of a fall or the result of no particular injury. Patients commonly complain of symptoms of low back and buttock pain.

Sacral insufficiency fractures may not be seen on regular x-rays but typically show up on MRI or CT scans of the pelvis. The treatment of a sacral insufficiency fracture is usually symptomatic relief with rest and ambulatory devices such as a walker or cane.

4 Sources
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  1. Beckmann N, Cai C. CT characteristics of traumatic sacral fractures in association with pelvic ring injuries: correlation using the Young-Burgess classification system. Emerg Radiol. 2017;24(3):255-262. doi:10.1007/s10140-016-1476-0

  2. Rodrigues-pinto R, Kurd MF, Schroeder GD, et al. Sacral Fractures and Associated Injuries. Global Spine J. 2017;7(7):609-616. doi:10.1177/2192568217701097

  3. Kahanov L, Eberman LE, Games KE, Wasik M. Diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of stress fractures in the lower extremity in runners. Open Access J Sports Med. 2015;6:87-95. doi:10.2147/OAJSM.S39512

  4. Kao FC, Hsu YC, Liu PH, Yeh LR, Wang JT, Tu YK. Osteoporotic sacral insufficiency fracture: An easily neglected disease in elderly patients. Medicine. 2017;96(51):e9100. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000009100

Additional Reading
  • Mehta S, Auerbach JD, Born CT, Chin KR. "Sacral fractures" J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2006 Nov;14(12):656-65.
Cluett

By Jonathan Cluett, MD
Jonathan Cluett, MD, is board-certified in orthopedic surgery. He served as assistant team physician to Chivas USA (Major League Soccer) and the United States men's and women's national soccer teams.