The curious case of the protruding muscle: A case report of muscle hernia

Abstract

Muscle hernias are an uncommon clinical entity, characterized by the protrusion of a muscle through the overlying weakened fascia. The most affected muscle is the tibialis anterior muscle, although other locations such as the upper limb are possible. Patients typically present with a palpable, soft-tissue mass that may be reducible upon physical examination. Imaging plays a critical role in accurately diagnosing muscle hernias, distinguishing them from other causes of palpable soft-tissue masses. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is particularly valuable, as it allows detailed visualization of the muscle contour and the superficial fascial layers at the site of the abnormality. We report the case of a 32 years-old patient with a palpable mass of the thigh, presenting to our structure for an MRI, in which we concluded to a hernia of the vastus lateralis muscle.