Surgery for Quadricep Injuries

Surgery is not frequently required for quadriceps injuries, and is usually reserved for complete tears, especially involving the quadriceps tendon. These surgeries generally require day surgery, although some will require an overnight stay.

A quadriceps tendon rupture repair involves making an incision on the front of your knee, over the top of your tendon. Sutures are then placed through your quadriceps tendon, threaded through drill holes in your patella and secured in place to bring the torn part of your tendon back to its proper location on your kneecap. After surgery, a cast or brace is generally used for approximately 6 weeks followed by rehabilitation.

A quadriceps muscle repair will fix a complete tear in the quadriceps muscle. This surgery involves making an incision on the front of the thigh over the torn quadricep and sewing or reattaching the 2 torn ends together.

Neurolysis of the femoral nerve involves breaking up adhesions (scar tissue) to free the nerve and relieve the pressure and pain from inflammation. Radio frequency, heat, or chemical injection, have also been used.

There are always some risks and/or complications involved with surgery such as infection, stiffness, suture reaction, failure of healing, adverse reactions to anesthesia, blood clotting, persistent pain and continued weakness. Please discuss these in more detail with your surgeon.

Surgery enforces a mandatory rest period, which is one of the main treatment recommendations for quadriceps injuries. Keep in mind the longer you have your symptoms prior to surgery, the longer it will take to recuperate. If you return to your activities too soon, you could cause permanent damage. You want to ensure the strength, flexibility and stability of your quadriceps muscles, before taking on too much.