As an athlete, you sprint, you jump, you lunge-and then suddenly, you feel a sharp snap in your upper thigh or buttock. This isn’t just a pulled muscle-it could be an avulsion injury involving the ischial tuberosity. Continuing our Men’s Health Month blog posts, we’re spotlighting common but often overlooked injuries in active men. Here's why this small pelvic bone matters more than you think.
What Is the Ischial Tuberosity-and Why Should You Care?
The ischial tuberosity, often called the “sit bone,” is the part of your pelvis that bears your weight when you sit. It’s also the anchor point for the hamstring muscles. In explosive movements like sprinting or jumping, these muscles contract with incredible force. Sometimes, especially in young or high-performance athletes, that force can literally pull the tendon-and a piece of bone-away from the ischial tuberosity. This is known as a hamstring avulsion injury.
Common Signs of a Hamstring Avulsion Injury
Avulsion injuries are not your typical hamstring strain. Symptoms often include:
- A sudden, sharp pain in the buttock or upper thigh
- Swelling or bruising in the area
- Weakness in the leg or difficulty walking
- Inability to bear weight on the affected side
If you’re experiencing these signs after a high-intensity movement, don’t assume it’s just a pulled muscle. It could be something more serious that needs prompt attention.
Who’s Most at Risk?
These injuries are most common among adolescent athletes during growth spurts, as well as adult athletes involved in sports requiring explosive speed-think sprinters, soccer players, gymnasts, or dancers. Athletes training year-round are particularly vulnerable without proper warm-ups, strength training, and flexibility routines.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Untreated avulsion injuries can lead to chronic pain, weakness, and reduced performance. In some cases, surgery may be needed to reattach the tendon and bone fragment. Early diagnosis with an orthopedic specialist-especially one trained in sports medicine-is key to proper healing and a full return to sport.
Feel a Snap? Don’t Delay
Hamstring injury can affect athletes at any level. If you're in the NYC or New Jersey area and experiencing symptoms, Dr. Bharam provides advanced, personalized care for hip, hamstring, and groin injuries.
AUTHOR: Srino Bharam MD, MBA is a board-certified, fellowship-trained sports medicine orthopedic surgeon and professor of orthopedic surgery specializing in the treatment of athletic injuries of the hip and groin. Dr. Bharam has over 20 years of experience in treating injuries and conditions of the hip to restore athletes and patients to an active lifestyle.
