An avulsion fracture occurs when an injury causes a ligament or tendon to tear off (avulse) a small piece of a bone to which it's attached. The injury may be due to direct trauma, such as a hard tackle in football, or indirect trauma, such as an aggressive pivot in soccer or basketball. This type of fracture can also be associated with serious injury to the involved ligament or tendon.

Small avulsion fractures don't need surgery or casting. Treatment typically is with ice and rest. Small avulsions rarely cause any problems after the injury heals. The avulsion may still be visible on an X-ray. But it usually doesn't cause any pain or discomfort.

If the bone fragment is large and widely separated from the bone and is associated with significant tendon or ligament detachment, treatment may include surgical reattachment. In young children, avulsions that occur on a growth plate also may require surgery. Talk to your doctor about what the best treatment is for your specific injury.