What is a quadriceps contusion?
The large muscle group at the front of your thigh is called the quadriceps (figure 1). The quadriceps is responsible for straightening the knee during activity and has a rich blood supply. Following a direct impact to the quadriceps, damage to the muscle fibres, connective tissue and small blood vessels of the quadriceps may occur. This results in a ‘bruise’ to the quadriceps and is known as a quadriceps contusion. Quadriceps contusions can range from minor contusions resulting in minimal pain and allowing ongoing activity, to severe contusions resulting in significant pain and loss of function.
