Isolated Avulsion of the Distal Head of the Adductor Magnus: A Case Report

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In the present case, we describe the first reported instance of a noncontact distal adductor magnus avulsion injury in a collegiate Division I football player. A 22-year-old male player initially presented with an acute posterolateral corner injury with partial thickness tears of the fibular collateral ligament (FCL), biceps femoris tendon (BFT), and popliteus tendon (PT). Appropriate management was completed. Two months later, without contact or a specific inciting event during gameplay, his condition worsened to an acute full-thickness tear of the ischiocondylar (hamstring) portion of the adductor magnus tendon, avulsed from its insertion at the adductor tubercle on the medial femoral condyle, with surrounding hemorrhage. We discuss the likely mechanism of injury, imaging findings, and management practices for avulsion injuries. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of full recovery before returning to play to avoid reinjury. To the authors' knowledge, the pathology described in this study has not been reported previously.