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This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: 32/3/710    most recent 0363546503261734v1 Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in ISI Web of Science Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (5) Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Cross, T. M. Articles by Cameron, M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Cross, T. M. Articles by Cameron, M. Related Collections Imaging Studies Muscle Other

Acute Quadriceps Muscle Strains

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features and Prognosis

Thomas M. Cross, MBBS, Dip Child Health^*,, Nathan Gibbs, MBBS, FACSP, Grad Dip Sports Sc, Michael T. Houang, MBBS, FANZCR and Matthew Cameron, BAppSci (Physio), Post Grad Dip (Sports Physio)

From the North Syndey Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Centre, Sydney Sports Medicine Centre, Olympic Park, Crows Nest, North Sydney, Australia, Sydney Swans Football Club, Moore Park, Australia, and Sydney CT and MR, Australia

^* Address correspondence to Thomas M. Cross, North Sydney Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Centre, 272 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest, NSW, 2065, Sydney, Australia

Background: There has been no research examining the magnetic resonance imaging findings, and in turn the prognosis, for a series of acute quadriceps muscle strains.

Hypothesis: The magnetic resonance imaging findings of acute quadriceps muscle strain injuries are helpful in predicting their prognosis.

Study Design: Causal-comparative study.

Method: Forty professional players of Australian Rules football were followed over 3 years. Magnetic resonance imaging examinations were performed within 24 to 72 hours of muscle-strain injury. Imaging features of muscle strain injury included the anatomical location, size (cross-sectional area and length), and site (proximal, middle, or distal). The time from injury to return to full training was termed the rehabilitation interval.

Results: 25 clinical quadriceps muscle strain injuries occurred, with 15 cases involving the rectus femoris. The rectus femoris injuries could be further categorized into cases with straining about the central tendon (n = 7, mean rehabilitation interval = 26.9 days) or cases with straining in the periphery (n = 8, mean rehabilitation interval = 9.2 days). Six cases involved one of the vastus muscles (mean rehabilitation interval = 4.4 days). Three players had normal magnetic resonance imaging examinations (mean rehabilitation interval = 5.7 days).

Conclusions: The rectus femoris–central tendon injury is the red flag diagnosis associated with a significantly longer rehabilitation interval.

Clinical Relevance: Magnetic resonance imaging is helpful in predicting the prognosis for acute quadriceps strains.

Key Words: central tendon • rehabilitation interval

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