Abstract

Rectus femoris muscle strain injuries are uncommon but significant, particularly for highlevel athletes, and typically occur at the distal muscle-tendon junction. Proximal ruptures, though rare, are associated with high-impact activities, such as football, where the muscle is stressed during actions like kicking. This case study details the injury of a 25-year-old semi-professional football player who sustained a proximal rectus femoris tendon rupture following a hip hyperextension movement during a football match. The patient presented with anterior thigh and inguinal pain, and imaging confirmed a near-complete tendon disruption with hematoma. The treatment plan included pharmacological pain management, physiotherapy, and strengthening exercises, without rest. Two weeks post-injury, the athlete showed significant recovery with pain-free walking and early-stage rehabilitation. The case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis using ultrasound and MRI and suggests a rehabilitation protocol emphasizing early mobilization and gradual strengthening exercises.

Keywords

rectus femoris, muscle injuries