Adductor insertion avulsion syndrome, "thigh splints": relevance of radiological follow-up

Abstract

We present a case of chronic osteomyelitis in a 13-year-old girl which was originally diagnosed as adductor insertion avulsion syndrome ("thigh splints") on the basis of the clinical presentation, patient history, initial radiographs and MRI examination. However, at follow-up with persistent pain and altered radiographic and MRI appearances, surgical biopsy was indicated. Histopathological findings confirmed a bone abscess. This case underlines the necessity of clinical follow-up and imaging in certain patients with apparent thigh splints.