Rupture of the medial gastrocnemius muscle during namaz praying: an unusual cause of tennis leg.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this retrospective study is to report a unique group of patients in whom rupture of the medial gastrocnemius muscle (tennis leg) occurred during namaz praying.


METHODS
We reviewed the sonographic and/or MR imaging findings of 543 patients who were referred for the evaluation of leg pain and swelling during the last 7 years. Fourteen patients with a final diagnosis of tennis leg that occured during namaz praying were included in this study.


RESULTS
Nine of 14 (64.2%) patients had incomplete and the remainder 5 (35.8%) patients had a partial tear at the musculotendinous junction (MTJ). Four of 14 (28.6%) patients were mistaken for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on the basis of clinical findings and presentation. Associated fluid collection between the gastrocnemius and soleus muscle was noted in 11 (78.5%) patients. Isolated fluid collection between the gastrocnemius and soleus muscle without disruption of the gastrocnemius muscle was seen in 1 patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Rupture of the medial gastrocnemius muscle may occur during namaz praying. The clinical presentation is not always characteristic and may simulate DVT. US and MRI are useful diagnostic tools to establish the correct diagnosis and prompt further treatment.
Yilmaz
Cengiz
C
Ministry of Health, Izmir Training and Research Hospital, Department of Radiology, Bozyaka, Izmir, Turkey. cengizyilmaz66@yahoo.com
Orgenc
Yaman
Y
Ergenc
Ruken
R
Erkan
Nazif
N
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012067:Religion; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012421:Rupture / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D014463:Ultrasonography