The quadriceps muscles are the large group of muscle on the front of your thigh that are responsible for fully extending the leg. Partial tears of the quadriceps tendon can make it difficult to walk or participate in sport. Full rupture of the quadriceps tendon is a debilitating injury and requires early surgical intervention to restore the extensor mechanism of the knee.

Initial treatment consists of medication and ice to relieve the pain. Surgery to repair the ruptured tendon is usually recommended within three weeks of the initial injury. Following surgery four to six months of formal physical therapy early and appropriate surgical intervention, patients are typically able to return to their pre-injury level of competition.

Aggressive Quadriceps Loading Can Cause a Noncontact ACL Injury Poster

This poster explains research findings from Dr. Steven Chudik that aggressive quadriceps loading with the knee slightly bent produces significant anterior tibial translation and an ACL injury.

Aggressive Quadriceps Loading Can Cause ACL Ligament Injury AJSM Research

Research published by Dr. Steven Chudik in the American Journal of Sports Medicine reports on findings that can cause noncontact ACL injury.