What occurs during an avulsion fracture?

An avulsion fracture involves a scenario where a small piece of bone is pulled away from the main mass of the bone due to tension exerted by a muscle or ligament. This typically occurs when a strong force is applied, causing the muscle to contract sharply and pull on the bone at its attachment point. The connection may be overwhelmed, leading to a fracture at the site where the tendon or ligament attaches, rather than the bone experiencing a break in a more typical manner. This type of fracture is most commonly seen in active individuals or athletes, where sudden movements or stress can lead to such injuries. Understanding the nature of an avulsion fracture is critical for diagnosing and determining appropriate treatment, as the healing process may involve both the fractured bone and the muscle or tendon involved.