# Use of Point-of-care Ultrasound to Diagnose Rectus Abdominis Strain in the Acute Setting: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A rare case of a bilateral rectus abdominis muscle tear in an amateur bodybuilder was diagnosed using point-of-care ultrasound in the emergency department, leading to successful recovery.

## Contribution

This is the first reported case of a bilateral rectus abdominis tear diagnosed with ultrasound in an emergency setting.

## Key findings

- A bilateral grade 2 rectus abdominis tear was diagnosed using point-of-care ultrasound in the emergency department.
- The patient recovered fully after targeted rehabilitation and sports medicine follow-up.
- POCUS helped avoid unnecessary repeat visits and costly diagnostic workups.

## Abstract

Rectus abdominis muscle strains are common and can be debilitating in both professional and amateur athletes who engage in strenuous activity.

We report a rare case of rectus abdominis muscle tear in an amateur bodybuilder diagnosed by point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the emergency department (ED). The patient had presented to the ED three separate times after strenuous exercise, received costly diagnostic workups, and ultimately was diagnosed on the third visit with grade 2 bilateral rectus abdominis tear. The patient was given appropriate education and sports medicine follow-up. He underwent rehabilitation focused on trunk and core stability. At eight-week follow-up, the patient had made a full recovery.

To our knowledge, a case of bilateral rectus abdominis tear diagnosed by ultrasound in the emergency setting has not been previously published. Our case report highlights the utility of POCUS in diagnosing musculoskeletal pathology and preventing costly bounce-back visits.