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Case Reports
. 2020 Feb 27;54(3):339-347.
doi: 10.1007/s43465-020-00051-4. eCollection 2020 May.

Bilateral Quadriceps Rupture in an Elite Weight Lifter: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Mandeep Singh Dhillon  1 , Prasoon Kumar  1 , Rakesh John  1 , Aman Hooda  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Bilateral Quadriceps Rupture in an Elite Weight Lifter: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Mandeep Singh Dhillon et al. Indian J Orthop. .

Abstract

Simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon ruptures (QTR) are rare injuries in sportspersons; weightlifting, involving sudden eccentric contraction of the bilateral quadriceps, has the potential to cause this injury. We present a case of an elite weightlifter with bilateral quadriceps tear occurring during the "jerk" part of clean and jerk phase of weightlifting; single stage bilateral end to end repair was done, followed by 3 weeks of cast immobilisation. He then underwent a supervised rehabilitation protocol, leading to graduated strengthening of the muscles. He went back to competitive sport after 2 years and participated in a national championship after 5 years. Detailed questioning revealed a history of anabolic steroid use in the early phase of his career; a literature review showed only seven cases of this injury pattern in weightlifting/bodybuilding sports, and five of these seven had a definitive history of anabolic steroid use. Bilateral QTR may be a pointer to predisposing factors like use of steroids, which should be diligently identified. Good outcomes are possible after early surgical repair and rehabilitation, with high rates of return to sports.

Keywords: Bilateral; Quadriceps tear; Sports injuries; Weightlifting.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interestThe authors declare no conflict of interest and nil funding.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Images depicting sequence of events during weight lifting, leading to bilateral quadriceps tears
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
MRI images depicting bilateral quadriceps tears
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Clinical images at 6 years follow up; depicting healed scars and functional knee range of motion
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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