21/08/2026
WHEN CLINICAL INSTINCT TELLS YOU TO LOOK DEEPER 🩻
A 12-year-old dancer recently presented to my clinic following an acute hip/buttock injury sustained during dance.
She had previously attended A&E, where X-rays had been taken and she had been reassured that there was no significant bony injury, with the working diagnosis being a hip flexor strain by a doctor.
Her parents then brought her to me ……when she arrived in my clinic, something didn’t add up.
One principle, I have always stood by is simple: listen to the patient, assess the patient in front of you, and form your own clinical opinion never trust or go with other healthcare professionals opinions/diagnosis.
I carried out a comprehensive assessment, including a detailed history and appropriate clinical testing. The findings raised concerns that this could be more than a straightforward muscular injury.
I contacted the hospital sending my report over outlining my clinical findings and concerns and requested further investigation. An urgent MRI was subsequently by myself and arranged alongside repeated X-rays.
The imaging confirmed an ischial tuberosity apophyseal avulsion injury.
So, very different from a simple hip flexor strain.
Cases like this reinforce why I believe so strongly in thorough assessment, clinical reasoning and advocating for further investigation when the findings don’t fit the initial diagnosis.
I’m proud that I trusted my assessment, advocated for this young dancer and helped get the diagnosis needed to guide her rehabilitation and return to dance safely.
If you or your child has sustained a sporting or dance injury and symptoms aren’t progressing as expected or you remain concerned despite an initial assessment seeking an appropriate second opinion can be worthwhile.
Rehab journey starts now…..
Shared with consent from patient and confidentiality confirmed ✅