Avulsion Fracture at the Femoral Origin of the Medial Head of the Gastrocnemius in an Adolescent: A Case Report with Two-Year Clinical Follow-Up.
Ammar K Alomran
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 13-year-old boy presented with acute posteromedial left knee pain after a sudden pop while running. Examination revealed tenderness and pain at full extension, with radiographs showing a small osseous fragment. MRI confirmed a minimally displaced avulsion fracture at the femoral origin of the medial head of the gastrocnemius. The patient was treated with a long-leg cast and rehabilitation, achieving full recovery and returning to sports without complications at two-year follow-up.
What made this case unusual
This case highlights an avulsion fracture at the femoral origin of the medial head of the gastrocnemius in a skeletally immature patient, a rare occurrence that can be easily overlooked.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider avulsion fractures of the gastrocnemius origin in adolescents presenting with acute posterior knee pain, especially when associated with a sudden injury.
Why it matters
This case underscores the importance of MRI in accurately diagnosing and characterizing uncommon injuries in pediatric patients, ensuring appropriate management and follow-up.