Rupture of the iliopsoas muscle

What is the Illiopsoas muscle?

The iliopsoas muscle is a very strong muscle that lifts the knee up. It starts at the lower back and inserts into the thigh bone (femur). It is very rare for this muscle to be ruptured. But when it does it is likely to occur at the tendon where the muscle inserts into the thigh bone.

Symptoms for a ruptured iliopsoas muscle include:

• A sudden sharp pain in the groin that returns when you try to lift your knee up to your chest.
• Pain on resisted hip flexion (video).
• A deep pain in the groin when the knee is lifted up against resistance.
• A weakness in lifting your knee up.

What can the athlete do to help prevent a ruptured iliopsoas muscle?

• Apply cold therapy and R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression, elevation) immediately.
• Rest and use crutches if needed.
• See a sports injury specialist to confirm the diagnosis and advise on treatment and rehabilitation.

What can a sports injury therapist or doctor do?

• Use ultrasound or laser treatment.
• Use sports massage techniques after the acute phase (although the iliopsoas muscle is a deep muscle and very difficult to get to).
• Operate if the muscle has torn completely.
• Prescribe a full rehabilitation programme.

  A partial rupture of the iliopsoas muscle will often lead to inflammation after the initial rupture has healed.