Sacral stress fracture due to excess weight gain during pregnancy while self-quarantining during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Most pregnancy-related sacral stress fractures occur after delivery. This case aims to emphasise that stress fractures can occur before delivery, and since excessive weight gain is a risk factor, pregnant women should avoid gaining excess weight, especially during quarantine.

This patient, who gained 20 kgs during first pregnancy, started complaining of severe pain in the left sacral region in the 40th week of pregnancy, without any trauma. Despite conservative follow-up, her pain increased, and a caesarean section was performed. The patient continued to complain of pain in the left sacral region. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified a sacral stress fracture which was treated conservatively and resolved after 4 months.

Complaints of severe back pain during the last stage of pregnancy require a detailed physical examination. When localised sensitivity is detected in the sacral region during pregnancy, a diagnosis can be made using MRI, thereby avoiding radiation exposure.