Description:
A Dead Leg, or Quadriceps Contusion, is important to diagnosis correctly. Intramuscular contusions refer to damage to the muscle within the muscle sheath. Often, the blood has nowhere to go, and pressure builds in the sheath causing decreased function and pain.  When an intramuscular contusion occurs in the quadriceps muscle, it is vital to take the necessary time to recovery to prevent permanent damage. Intermuscular contusions, on the other hand, is damage to the muscle and the sheath. Intermuscular contusions often take less time to heal when properly treated, but have more noticeable bruising.

What is it?
A Dead Leg, or Quadriceps Contusion, is bruising in the quadriceps muscle, often caused by direct impact.
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Common Signs & Symptoms:
  • Grade 1 Contusion: Symptoms may involve tightness in the quad muscles and mild or no swelling. The patient may have a slight limp and also, may have full range of motion.
  • Grade 2 Contusion: Symptoms may involve pain during movement, problems walking, swelling, and tenderness upon application of pressure.
  • Grade 3 Contusion: Symptoms may involve the inability to walk, severe pain, noticeable swelling, and an obvious bulge or gap in the muscle during contraction. Treatment and proper healing may take up to 12 weeks for a grade 3 contusion.

Common Assessments:
Assessment methods involve evaluating pain levels and location, testing strength and range of motion limitations, analyzing gait, and collecting patient history for a mechanism of injury.
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