Bone scanning in the adductor insertion avulsion syndrome

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Adductor insertion avulsion syndrome, or thigh splint, is an uncommon condition causing groin pain.
• It is often mistaken for more common athletic injuries like shin splints.

Observation:

• A 19-year-old female patient, not a regular athlete, presented with non-specific groin pain.
• Initial physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis were inconclusive.
• A whole body bone scan was performed to investigate potential spinal abnormalities.

Findings:

• The whole body bone scan revealed findings consistent with adductor insertion avulsion syndrome.
• This highlights the utility of bone scintigraphy in diagnosing obscure causes of groin pain.

Implications:

• Whole body bone scans are valuable for evaluating persistent groin pain, especially when initial imaging is negative.
• Comprehensive evaluation of the entire lower extremity is crucial for accurate diagnosis.