Quadriceps expansion

Findings

Described in general findings, plus there is local tenderness to palpation over the superior aspect of the patella – centrally, laterally or medially.

Cause

Micro- tears if the quadriceps attachment to the patella, but graduation to a full tear of the insertional tendon may occur.

Treatment

a)      Reduce quadriceps loads

b)      Electrotherapeutic modalities to settle inflammation and/or cortisone injections, localized to the tender point

c)      Modalities to release scar tissue, such as frictions and cortisone

d)     Quadriceps ladders 

e)      Surgical suture where there is a small dehiscence

Sports

a)      Mainly in weight training and weightlifting, with deep knee bends. Beware anabolic steroids abuse

b)      Occasionally from kicking, or checking to stop, with a deep knee bend.

c)      Hockey, squash, tennis, badminton will produce problem by stopping fast with knee bent, as in stretching out over one leg to play a shot

d)     Sports that have a lot of direction changes may also produce problems

Most of these injuries will be calmed down with appropriate reduction in loads.Cortisone may help.

 

"Concise guide to sports injuries, 2^nd edition",Churchill Livingstone, Malcolm T.F. Read,  foreword by Bryan English