Lumbo-pelvic-hip complex pain in a competitive basketball player: a case study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Lumbo-pelvic-hip complex pain presents a diagnostic challenge for clinicians.
• Athletes, particularly those in high-impact sports like basketball, are susceptible to complex injuries in this region.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and return to sport.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the mechanism of injury, diagnostic process, surgical management, and rehabilitation of a female high school basketball athlete with lumbo-pelvic-hip pain.
• To highlight the utility of a systematic, multidisciplinary approach in managing complex athletic injuries.
• To demonstrate a successful return to previous functional levels following injury.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing a specific patient's injury and recovery.
• Diagnostic workup included clinical examination, radiography, magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram, and 3-dimensional and standard computed tomography scans.
• Treatment involved surgical management and a structured rehabilitation program.

Main Results:

• A definitive diagnosis was established through comprehensive imaging and clinical evaluation.
• The patient underwent surgical intervention tailored to her specific injury.
• A structured rehabilitation program facilitated recovery and return to sport.

Conclusions:

• A systematic, multidisciplinary approach is effective in diagnosing and managing lumbo-pelvic-hip complex pain in athletes.
• Comprehensive diagnostic imaging is essential for identifying the underlying cause of complex hip injuries.
• Successful rehabilitation and return to high-level athletic activity are achievable with appropriate management.