Dr. Abene is a board certified Orthopaedic Surgeon. He did his Sports Medicine Fellowship at Stanford where he worked directly with the head team physicians for the San Francisco 49ers and Giants. He is currently the head team physician for the San Jose Sharks AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda. He is also a volunteer team physician for USA Hockey.
What is the Quadriceps Muscle?
The Quadriceps muscle is the big muscle in the front of the thigh. It consists of four muscles, thus the word “quad”. The muscle’s main job is to extend (straighten) the knee. The Quad also assists in hip flexion. It attaches to the pelvic bone and to the kneecap (patella).
What causes a Quadriceps Contusion?
This injury is usually caused by a direct blow to the thigh. This can include the puck, the boards, or a collision with another player (often the helmet). Sometimes this injury is caused by the dreaded knee on knee collision. The direct blow causes injury to the muscle belly and to the small blood vessels in the area. This results in bleeding and the formation of a hematoma.
What are the symptoms?
The pain is usually immediate and severe. There can be acute swelling and the typical black and blue of a bruise. The thigh can feel tight and bending the knee increases the pain. It is also difficult to skate or even walk. This is an injury that can make even the toughest player wince in pain.
How is it treated?
The mainstay of treatment is Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE). This type of injury usually requires crutches. It is also recommended to keep the knee bent more than 90 degrees for about 12-24 hours after this injury. This can be accomplished with a brace or by using a wrap. Keeping the knee flexed reduces the bleeding and swelling. It also keeps the muscle under a stretch which allows quicker recovery. Ice is very important as well.
What about return to play?
Once the pain has resolved the player should work on range of motion and strength. Players with minor injuries often return to the ice in a couple of days. More severe injuries can take about a week.
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If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Neutral Zone does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the site. Reliance on any information provided by Neutral Zone, Dr Abene or any of its employees or other information appearing on the site is solely at your own risk.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
