Thigh Injuries in American Football
Quadriceps and hamstring injuries occur frequently in football and are generally treated conservatively. While return to competition following hamstring strains is relatively quick, a high rate of injury recurrence highlights the importance of targeted rehabilitation and conditioning. This review describes the clinical manifestations of thigh-related soft-tissue injuries seen in football players. Two of these—muscle strains and contusions—are relatively common, while a third condition—the Morel-Lavallée lesion—is a rare, yet relevant injury.
Conclusion
Quadriceps and hamstring injuries occur frequently in football and are generally treated conservatively. While return to competition following hamstring strains is relatively quick, a high rate of injury recurrence highlights the importance of targeted rehabilitation and conditioning. Rarely, complications from quadriceps contusions, including acute compartment syndrome and myositis ossificans, may require operative intervention if unresponsive to conservative treatment. MLLs are rare in sports, but usually involve the thigh when they occur in football players. Team physicians must maintain a heightened degree of awareness of this injury as it may require operative intervention.
Acknowledgements: The authors would like to thank Jonathon Baker, MD and David Rubin, MD for their assistance in providing radiographic images for this paper.
Am J Orthop. 2016;45(6):E308-E318. Copyright Frontline Medical Communications Inc. 2016. All rights reserved.
