What is a stress fracture of the pubic ramus?

A stress fracture is a crack in the pubic ramus which makes up the pelvic bone and is often termed a ‘hairline fracture’.

What causes a stress fracture of the pubic ramus?

Stress fractures of the pubic ramus are commonly caused by repeated stress placed on the bone over a period of time that overwhelms the bones ability to remodel. Stress fractures are common sports injury and seen in athletes who run and jump on hard surfaces, such as distance runners, basketball players, and ballet dancers.

What are the effects/symptoms of a stress fracture of the pubic ramus?

Symptoms of a stress fracture may include:

A dull ache deep in the pelvis or groin
Pain when moving the hip or leg

Diagnosis of a stress fracture

A doctor or physiotherapist will take a detailed medical history and then physically examine your pelvis and groin to confirm a diagnosis. Your doctor or physiotherapist will probably suggest taking an X-ray, bone scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to give a more accurate diagnosis.

Treatment for a stress fracture

Conventional treatment will involve resting from activity that makes the pain worse and modifying activity levels to allow the fracture to heal. If the pain occurs while walking, then crutches should be used.

Surgery may also be required if your doctor is concerned that the fracture may displace (move out of place) to stabilise the bone.

Physiotherapy for a stress fracture

Physiotherapy treatment at Manchester Physio will hasten your recovery by reducing pain, advising you on how to structure exercise, and strengthening your muscles safely and effectively.

Your physiotherapist at Manchester Physio will assess your condition, diagnose your main problems and help you understand it.

Following an initial assessment a rehabilitation program will be developed tailored to your current symptoms and lifestyle and may include:

Advice on how to modify activity and when to progress exercises safely
Ultrasound to facilitate healing
Soft tissue massage to lengthen tight muscles and reduce pain
Passive stretching
Individualised exercise program which will help to strengthen muscles around groin, hip and leg.
Balance training
Sport specific exercises promoting a gradual return to activity

Physiotherapy treatment at Manchester Physio will ensure that you make a full recovery and continue to make significant improvements in the long-term.

If you would like more information on physiotherapy for hip problems, or to book an appointment please call 0161 883 0077.

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