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Avulsion Fracture Hidden in X-Ray Detected by Point-of-Care Ultrasound in a Young Athlete

Sreelakshmi K.T, Sangeeta Sao, Priya Govil, Kishalay Datta

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Indian Journal of Emergency Medicine 12(1):p 39-43, Jan. March 2026. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijem.2395.311X.12126.7

How Cite This Article:

Sreelakshmi K.T., Sangeeta Sao, Priya Govil, et al. Avulsion Fracture Hidden in X-Ray Detected by Point-of Care Ultrasound in a Young Athlete. Ind J Emerg Med. 2026; 12(1): 39-43.

Timeline

Received : July 18, 2025         Accepted : September 05, 2025          Published : March 30, 2026

Abstract

Anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) avulsion fractures are uncommon injuries, primarily affecting adolescent athletes during sudden, forceful physical activity. Traditional diagnosis relies on radiography, though small bony fragments can be missed. We report a case of a 15-year-old female presenting with acute left groin pain following a rapid directional change while playing “kho-kho”. Physical examination showed localized tenderness, and estricted hip movement. Pelvic X-ray unfortunately skipped the diagnosis when the Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) performed in the emergency department revealed a hyperechoic apophyseal fragment displaced from the ASIS, suggesting an avulsion injury. Given minimal displacement, the patient was managed conservatively. This case highlights the value of POCUS in Indian emergency settings where quick decision making and limited imaging facilities make bedside diagnosis essential


References

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Funding

This research received no funding.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.

Ethics Declaration

This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.

Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.

Conflicts of Interest

No conflicts of interest in this work.


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Cite this article

Sreelakshmi K.T., Sangeeta Sao, Priya Govil, et al. Avulsion Fracture Hidden in X-Ray Detected by Point-of Care Ultrasound in a Young Athlete. Ind J Emerg Med. 2026; 12(1): 39-43.


Licence:

Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.

 


Received Accepted Published
July 18, 2025 September 05, 2025 March 30, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijem.2395.311X.12126.7

Keywords

POCUSAvulsion fractureASISkho-kho

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Received July 18, 2025
Accepted September 05, 2025
Published March 30, 2026

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Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.

 


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