A sacral insufficiency fracture (SIF) is a type of stress fracture that occurs in the sacrum, a triangular bone at the base of your spine. It is often caused by weakened bones from conditions like osteoporosis, which makes the bones fragile. This kind of fracture can happen even with minor stresses, like regular activities, without any major trauma.

Symptoms usually include low back pain that might feel worse when you're sitting or standing for long periods. Sometimes, people with SIF also experience pain that radiates to the hips or buttocks, making it hard to walk comfortably.

Diagnosing a sacral insufficiency fracture typically involves imaging tests. MRI is particularly helpful because it can detect these fractures early by showing areas of swelling and changes in the sacrum. Providers may also utilize CT scans, the preferred imaging modality, to obtain a detailed view, particularly when evaluating the need for surgery.

Most of the time, SIF is treated without surgery. Rest and avoiding activities that put stress on the sacrum are important to allow healing. Physical therapy exercises can help improve strength and mobility over time. Pain relief medication and a sacral support belt may also be used to manage comfort.

If the fracture is severe and conservative treatments don't help, surgical options like sacroplasty might be necessary to stabilize the fracture and alleviate pain.