THIGH CONTUSION WHAT IS A THIGH CONTUSION? PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT OPTIONS: A thigh contusion, otherwise known as a ‘corked Ø Ultrasound Ø Ice massage thigh, charley horse or dead leg’ is an injury Ø Massage Ø Taping from a severe blow to the quadriceps muscle techniques Ø Movement group on the front of the femur (thigh bone). Ø Muscle energy therapy techniques Ø Compression INJURY FACTS: Ø Quadriceps bandaging A thigh contusion is an injury that usually occurs stretching and Ø Exercise bike in contact sports. The mechanism normally strengthening mobility involves a player’s body contacting the thigh of programs another’s. The compressive force causes a disruption to the quadriceps muscle fibres, COMPLICATIONS: resulting in haemorrhage and inflammation. The In the case of really bad thigh contusions the pressure within the muscle compartments original haematoma can calcify laying down prevents the fluid from releasing, creating an bone in the muscle compartments that is known area of increased tension and often a palpable as myositis ossificans. This can cause long lump. lasting problems including leg stiffness, weakness and pain, with healing taking DIAGNOSIS: anywhere from 8-52 weeks. Myositis ossificans During the examination the physiotherapist will often occurs with poor management of the take a subjective history reviewing what original condition. happened at the time of injury. Objective findings often include quadriceps weakness, HELPFUL HINTS: pain when bringing the heel toward the buttocks, Ø Immediately following the injury, strap an tenderness on palpation of the quadriceps, limp ice pack to the painful area with the knee when walking and bruising/swelling on bent as far as possible observation. Ø Don’t use heat, alcohol, running or direct massage during the fit 48 hours SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: Ø Seek early treatment from a Ø Tightness in the thigh muscle physiotherapist Ø Pain when bending the knee Ø Swelling or bruising on the thigh sometimes moving into the knee Ø ‘dead leg’ sensation Ø Pain with walking and running .