Iliac avulsion injuries result from sudden, forceful, and unbalanced muscle contraction (of the sartorius muscle in an ASIS injury or the rectus femoris in an AIIS injury). These fractures will occur in events involving running, jumping, or kicking a ball.

There is sudden, shooting pain referred to the involved tuberosity and loss of muscular function.

Swelling may be noted and there will be tenderness to palpation and pain on passive range of motion.