Ultrasound Diagnosis of Isolated Non-Insertional Iliopsoas Tendon Tear in Elderly

Isolated spontaneous tears of the non-insertional portion of the iliopsoas tendon are rare, particularly in elderly individuals with no prior injury. This case report presents an 88-year-old male who developed acute right groin pain, which was eventually diagnosed as a spontaneous non-insertional tear of the iliopsoas tendon. Ultrasound imaging was the initial diagnostic tool used, revealing hypoechogenicity in the affected portion of the tendon, leading to a swift diagnosis. MRI later confirmed the ultrasound findings. The patient was managed conservatively with rest, pain management, and physical therapy, resulting in excellent functional recovery. This case underscores the importance of considering spontaneous iliopsoas tendon tears in elderly patients presenting with groin pain, even in the absence of direct trauma. Ultrasound proved to be an effective, non-invasive, and cost-efficient diagnostic method, especially useful in low-resource healthcare settings. Early diagnosis through ultrasound allowed for prompt conservative treatment, preventing unnecessary surgical intervention and facilitating a smooth recovery. This case highlights the value of ultrasound as a primary imaging modality in diagnosing soft tissue injuries around the hip joint and emphasizes the importance of early recognition and appropriate management to achieve optimal outcomes.