Abstract
Background “Tennis leg” is a common lesion in sports with quick accelerations and stops, consisting
of an injury to the fascia joining the soleus muscle with the medial gastrocnemius.
In these cases, a differential diagnosis must be performed, considering possible complications
such as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the veins of the deep musculature of the lower
leg. The aim of this clinical case is to alert professionals regarding possible complications
of these injuries and to train professionals to detect a possible vascular problem.
Case Description A 42 year old male who attends a physical therapy consultation 24 hours after suffering
a “muscle pull” in the gastrocnemius. After a medical diagnosis of tennis leg he received
appropriate standard regulated physical therapy treatment procedures. A follow-up
ultrasound exam was performed eight days after the injury and at 14 days after a worsening
of symptoms, at which point a vascular alteration was detected which was diagnosed
and treated as DVT.
Results The patient came for consultation and we observed a vascular alteration and therefore
we referred the person to the emergency room, where he was diagnosed with DVT.
Discussion DVT is a possible complication of gastrocnemius injuries. The present case describes
a clinical presentation of DVT after 14 days evolution. It is essential to evaluate
and reevaluate the clinical condition of the patient with all the diagnostic tools
possible to detect possible red flags.
Conclusion Ultrasound is an essential tool for the detection of possible complications after
a musculoskeletal injury.
Keywords
tennis leg - deep venous thrombosis - ultrasound
