Introduction: Synchondrosis ischiopubic syndrome (SIS), also known as Van Neck-Odelberg disease, is a benign skeletal abnormality in children due to delayed closure in the ischiopubic synchondrosis (IPS). Patients may present with vague groin, hip, or buttock pain that can cause limitation of hip movement or limp. Few descriptions of this disorder exist, and it can easily be mistaken for other pathologies, including stress fracture, osteomyelitis, or tumor.
Case report: We report the case of a 9-year-old female gymnast presenting with right hip pain who was diagnosed with SIS. She was managed conservatively by the pediatric orthopedist.
Conclusion: Van Neck-Odelberg disease is a rare cause of pediatric hip pain that can be mistaken for other more serious pathologies. The ability to recognize the disease early allows for effective treatment and the avoidance of unnecessary procedures.
Keywords: Hip pain; Van Neck-Odelberg disease; pediatric; synchondrosis ischiopubic syndrome.
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