Posterior Hip Pointer: Subperiosteal Detachment of the Gluteal Muscles at the Posterior Iliac Crest in Two Elite Athletes

Abstract

Hip injuries are common in contact sports, particularly in high-impact activities. A well-known type of hip trauma is the hip pointer, which is a contusion of the iliac crest caused by a direct blow. Typically, hip pointers involve the lateral aspect of the iliac crest. In this case report, we present an unusual variation of this injury affecting the posterior iliac crest near the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS). We describe two cases of elite athletes who sustained posterior iliac crest trauma, a condition we propose naming the “posterior hip pointer”. This report highlights the clinical presentation, imaging findings, treatment approach, and implications for sports medicine.

Keywords

• hip injuries
• iliac crest
• athletic injuries
• ultrasonography