Isolated avulsion of the vastus lateralis tendon insertion in a weightlifter: a case report

Abstract

IntroductionWe report a case of isolated, unilateral avulsion of the vastus lateralis tendon from its insertion at the patella. This was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging, and underwent successful surgical repair.Case presentationA healthy 32-year-old national level power lifter presented with an isolated avulsion of the vastus lateralis tendon. After a failed course of conservative therapy he underwent surgical repair and a graded physical therapy programme. One year later he returned to full training with no evidence of re-rupture.ConclusionThis is the first reported case of an isolated vastus lateralis avulsion. Our experience suggests that magnetic resonance imaging is invaluable in the diagnosis of this condition and that surgical repair provides a good outcome in high demand patients.

Traumatic Mid-substance Isolated Vastus Medialis Rupture in a Young Athlete

“…The patient remains injuryfree and endorses no pain or limitations relating to his quad injury. n Steven Elicegui, BS 1 Mark Stovak, MD 1 Jordan Dobrich, BS, MBA 1 John Hodges, DPT 2 Vijay Sekhon, MD 3 Christopher Dolan, MD 1,4 1 University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada 2 Nevada Physical Therapy, Reno, Nevada 3 Reno Diagnostics Center, Reno, Nevada 4 Great Basin Orthopaedics, Reno, Nevada E-mail address for S. Elicegui selicegui@med.unr.edu…”

Midsubstance Vastus Lateralis Tear in the Young Athlete: Case Report and a Review of the Literature

“…Phadnis et al 4 described a 32-year-old male powerlifter who presented 8 weeks after experiencing acute left knee pain with associated popping while leg pressing 300 kg. He underwent conservative management with physical therapy but continued to experience pain and weakness.…”

“…Previously reported cases describe VL injuries resulting from rapid eccentric muscle contraction while lifting a heavy load sufficient to avulse the tendon from its bony insertion. [2][3][4] However, in the first case, there was no known single traumatic injury other than mild snowboarding falls that were not incapacitating. The second patient did report an acute injury, but it occurred after a football collision.…”

Isolated Vastus Lateralis Rupture and Repair Using Suture Anchor Technique

“…However, outstanding sensitivities and specificities have been reported for the ultrasound diagnosis of the quadriceps tendon rupture as well (4). There have only been two other reported cases of isolated vastus lateralis tendon rupture (5,6). This case is the third report of an isolated vastus lateralis rupture.…”

“…Case Reports in Orthopedics only 2 reported cases (5,6). In both of these reported cases, the patients underwent successful repair using a suture anchor technique.…”