• Seth C Gamradt, Robert H Brophy, Ronnie Barnes, Russell F Warren, Thomas ByrdJ WJW, and Bryan T Kelly.
• University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA. sgamradt@mednet.ucla.edu
• Am J Sports Med. 2009 Jul 1; 37 (7): 1370-4.

BackgroundAvulsion of the rectus femoris origin is a rare injury. The only previous report of this injury in professional American football has been limited to the kicking athlete.PurposeTo describe the incidence and treatment of proximal rectus femoris avulsion in the National Football League (NFL).Study DesignCase series; Level of evidence, 4.MethodsThe NFL Injury Surveillance System (NFLISS) was reviewed for any proximal rectus femoris avulsion injuries from 1986 to 2006, including the type and mechanism of injury, player demographics, method of treatment, and time to return to play. The NFL team physicians and trainers were surveyed as to their experience with these injuries as well.ResultsA total of 11 cases of proximal rectus femoris avulsion were identified starting in 1997. These injuries occurred in athletes in a variety of positions. All of these were treated nonoperatively, and the mean return to play was 69.2 days.ConclusionRectus femoris avulsions are uncommon injuries in the NFL, occurring about once a year in the entire league (once magnetic resonance imaging facilitated correct diagnosis of these injuries). Conservative treatment of these injuries usually results in return to play after 6 to 12 weeks.Clinical RelevanceProximal avulsions of the rectus femoris can be treated nonoperatively with a high degree of predictability for return to full, unrestricted participation in professional American football.

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