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

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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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics, PGIMER, Chandigarh, 160012, India

    Mandeep Singh Dhillon, Prasoon Kumar, Rakesh John & Aman Hooda

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  1. Mandeep Singh Dhillon
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  2. Prasoon Kumar
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  3. Rakesh John
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  4. Aman Hooda
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Correspondence to Prasoon Kumar.

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Dhillon, M.S., Kumar, P., John, R. et al. Bilateral Quadriceps Rupture in an Elite Weight Lifter: A Case Report and Review of Literature. JOIO 54, 339–347 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43465-020-00051-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43465-020-00051-4

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