Ligamentum teres tear with hyaline body formation: A rare cause of mechanical hip pain

Introduction Traumatic injuries of the ligamentum teres (LT) are an underrecognized cause of hip pain and instability. Diagnosis is often delayed due to nonspecific symptoms and normal radiographs. Complete LT rupture associated with intra-articular hyaline body formation is rare and may result in chronic mechanical symptoms. Case presentation A 38-year-old female presented with progressive right hip pain and limping over two years following direct blunt trauma. Symptoms evolved into mechanical pain, instability, and restricted motion despite conservative management. Clinical examination revealed an antalgic gait, positive Trendelenburg sign, and reduced hip rotation. Radiographs were unremarkable, while magnetic resonance imaging suggested LT injury with joint effusion. Open surgical exploration via a modified Gibson approach revealed a complete LT rupture with multiple intra-articular hyaline bodies within the acetabular fossa, contributing to femoral head instability. Surgical management included excision of loose bodies, reduction, and capsular stabilization. Discussion This case highlights a rare post-traumatic combination of complete LT rupture and hyaline body formation leading to chronic instability. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining clinical suspicion in patients with persistent mechanical symptoms despite normal imaging. In resource-limited settings, open surgical approaches provide effective diagnosis and treatment when arthroscopy is unavailable. Conclusion Post-traumatic LT rupture with hyaline bodies is a rare but treatable cause of chronic hip instability. Early recognition and appropriate surgical management can lead to excellent functional outcomes.