Title: Quadriceps contusion<br/>Author: Brian Corwell<br/><a href='http://umem.org/profiles/faculty/294/'>[Click to email author]</a><hr/><p>
<strong>Quadriceps contusion</strong></p>
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Mechanism: Blunt trauma from ball, helmet, stick</p>
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Usually to the central region</p>
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Damage to highly vascular area of the muscle and to local blood vessels can cause hematoma formation</p>
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Typical trauma history and pain worse with muscle activation (knee flexion)</p>
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Physical exam: Bruising, tenderness, palpable mass/hematoma</p>
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Goals of care: Minimize intramuscular bleeding</p>
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Treatment: NSAIDS, crutches, unique type of immobilization </p>
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Attempt to increase resting length of the quadriceps muscle to facilitate early healing and return to function</p>
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Immediately immobilize the affected leg in 120°of flexion with an elastic wrap x 24 hr</li>
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<a href="https://img.medscapestatic.com/pi/meds/ckb/18/43218.jpg">https://img.medscapestatic.com/pi/meds/ckb/18/43218.jpg</a></li>
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Frequent icing</li>
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Followed by early stretching/ROM (Consider referral for formal PT)</li>
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Continue restricted weight bearing on crutches as needed</li>
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Note: Left untreated, large contusions may result in myositis ossificans</p>
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