Rehabilitation of spontaneous muscle ruptures in a healthy young goalkeeper

Abstract

Spontaneous muscle ruptures in young adults without previous diseases or risk factors are extremely rare. No previous reports describing simultaneous spontaneous ruptures of multiple muscles in the healthy young adult have been published, emphasizing the lack of protocolized rehabilitation programs. In this article, the authors report a case of simultaneous spontaneous multiple muscle tears in a healthy goalkeeper, proposing a rehabilitation approach. A 19-year-old male goalkeeper presented to the emergency department with intense acute low back pain initiated spontaneously after raising from bed and originating gait difficulties. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated muscle ruptures in the left iliacus, piriformis, and paravertebral. Investigation for systemic causes of muscle tears was negative. The patient pursued a customized and phased rehabilitation program for a total of 6 months. In the re-evaluation at the end of the rehabilitation program, the patient presented no pain, had full range of motion and full muscle strength, and presented great stability and coordination. He was referred to sports medicine to pursue reintegration as a goalkeeper with functional sports-specific training. Although no cause for the ruptures was identified, the patients' sports-related activity may lead to microtear formation and trigger spontaneous tears. Thus, sports biomechanics may explain the underlying pathogenesis of these injuries. This case also highlights that an individualized rehabilitation program optimizes activity, participation, and professional reintegration.