67walkon, Had exactly the same happen to me in Jun 2009 near the end of long day's ride when I slipped on loose gravel and fell hard while pulling off to the shoulder, except it was my right hip. Emergency room x-rays showed no fracture, but I could not take even a step so they ordered an MRI, which confirmed a hairline fracture. The orthopaedic surgeon decided surgery was not called for in my case. He said it normally heals within 6-8 weeks, to keep weight off etc., but did caution me about future arthritis risk. Good news is I was able to start riding indoor on a stationary bike within 6 weeks, and outdoors within 8 weeks. I rode Cycle Oregon 2010 last month in its entirely without any after-effect of the injury . I am 61 now. So, keep your spirits up and you will be riding again soon. All the best.