Complete Proximal Rectus Femoris Avulsion Repair in a Division I Collegiate Track Athlete

CASE: A 20-year-old track athlete experienced a pop in her left hip with immediate pain and weakness during a race. She had a palpable defect distal to the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS). Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a complete tear of the rectus femoris direct head tendon from the AIIS, with 3 cm of retraction. Given her age and activity level, she underwent successful proximal rectus femoris avulsion repair and experienced a full return to sport. CONCLUSION: For athletes with an isolated avulsion of the direct head of the rectus femoris and significant tendon retraction, surgical repair can support full and timely return to sport.