[Injury of the Obturator Internus Muscle--a Rare Differential Diagnosis in a Soccer Player].

BACKGROUND: Lesions/irritations of the obturator internus muscle (OIM) are rare, several differential diagnoses are possible.

PATIENT: This paper describes the case of an OIM injury in a professional football player.

RESULTS: On clinical examination, painful internal rotation of the hip joint was an indication for a lesion/irritation of the OIM. MRI was the procedure of choice for imaging. Movement analysis served to detect a functional malposition.

CONCLUSION: A short recovery time requires functional treatment as well as the use of orthopaedic aids to correct possible deformities.