Complex Laceration With Muscle Damage in Female Division 1 Basketball Player: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Little evidence exists about the prevalence, post-injury management, and return to sport for a large laceration involving skin, subcutaneous fat, fascia, and muscle belly in basketball players. CASE PRESENTATION: The student athlete is a 19-year-old Division 1 female basketball player, who sustained a laceration measuring 20 cm in length and 7 cm deep to the anterolateral thigh, with damaged skin, subcutaneous fat, fascia, and muscle. OUTCOME: The patient underwent successful surgery to irrigate and debride damaged tissue. The patient completed rehabilitation and was able to return to her prior level of performance, playing collegiate basketball approximately 4 months following injury. DISCUSSION: This case shows that large lacerations involving muscle belly can be effectively managed with surgical intervention followed by rehabilitation with a criterion-based progression, utilizing regular objective assessments, despite external pressures due to demands on Division 1 athletes.