Rectus Femoris Rupture

[jameslt7]

I had a rectus femoris partially rupture playing in a soccer game in November last year. It was originally misdiagnosed as a strain rather than a rupture. Until the swelling went down and I could see the deviation in the muscle. I rehabed it and then injured it again in May of this year in another soccer game. At this point the muscle is two inches shorter on my left leg than on my right leg. I am currently deployed and cannot get to a doctor. Walking and jogging are no problem, but sprinting is a definite no go. Is this an injury that can actually be rehabed or is this probably going to require surgical intervention?

Thanks,

James

[Heidi]

Hi
Thats a difficult one to answer. A full rupture would really require surgery to get you back to normal. They can be left and treated conservatively (without surgery) although more so in the less active population. Partial ruptures such as yours are nearly always treated conservatively, although the rehab period is lengthy for a substantial tear and you must be sure that the muscle is fully healed, strengthened, flexible and ready for a return to sports such as football where the sudden bursts of speed and kicking action really stress the muscle.