Rectus Femoris Avulsion Fracture

The rectus femoris muscle is one of the four quad muscles that pass through the joints of the knee and the hip, which also makes it more prone to the injury.^[1]

Rectus femoris avulsion fracture is a condition, which occurs due to an explosive or strong contraction of the muscle. Over-stretching of the muscle may also result in rectus femoris avulsion fracture. This happens while bending the knee with the hip in an extended position in such a way that the thigh is moved backwards.^[2]

Avulsion fractures of the rectus femoris connecting point more frequently occur in the adolescents, because this region is one of the last cartilages that convert to bone. Initially, a condition of apophysitis is probable and is referred to as an inflammatory reaction resulting from repetitive stress on the soft attachment of the bones.

A rectus femoris avulsion fracture is caused when the strong contraction of the rectus femoris muscle pulls the tendon and a small piece of bone away from their connecting point.^[3]

• Pain is experienced at the front side of the hip.
• Sudden pain.
• Pain is experienced after a sudden and forceful movement of the hip and knee.
• Tenderness is also felt in the area of the bone at the front side above the hip.
• Reduced strength on the knee extension and hip flexion.^[4]

• Anti-inflammatory medications.
• Application of ice and cold therapy.
• Rest.
• Avoiding activities that aggravate the symptoms.
• Sports massage therapy may also be helpful.
• Sports taping.
• Electrotherapy.
• Heat treatment.
• Hydrotherapy.^[5]

Surgery is required only in severe cases where the bone fragment is significantly displaced from the attachment.

Strengthening exercises to regain complete hip and knee strength must be performed only when daily activities become pain-free.

A complete subjective and physical examination is performed to diagnose rectus femoris avulsion fracture. Tests that help in diagnosing rectus femoris avulsion fracture may include:

• X ray.
• MRI.

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