Unusual presentation of atraumatic insufficiency pelvic fractures unmasking pregnancy-related osteoporosis: A case report

J Perioper Pract. 2022 Oct;32(10):260-264. doi: 10.1177/17504589211034295. Epub 2022 Mar 24.

Abstract

We describe the case of a young 27-year-old Caucasian female who presented in the third trimester of her first pregnancy with sudden and severe suprapubic and left-sided hip pain without history of trauma. She was eventually diagnosed with two insufficiency fractures of the pelvis. The underlying diagnosis was pregnancy-related osteoporosis. Her baby was delivered successfully at term, with an elective caesarean section. The diagnosis was eventually made using a magnetic resonance imaging scan. Pregnancy-related osteoporosis is relatively rare, and cases of patients presenting with insufficiency fractures of this condition are rarer still. Our case raises the importance of considering this diagnosis in females in the later stages of pregnancy, with severe sudden hip or pelvis pain. The patient gave informed written consent for the publication of this case.

Keywords: Pregnancy/ Insufficiency fracture/ Osteoporosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cesarean Section
  • Female
  • Fractures, Stress* / diagnosis
  • Fractures, Stress* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Osteoporosis* / diagnosis
  • Pain
  • Pelvis
  • Pregnancy