Question 1

What is a quadriceps contusion (cork thigh)?

Accepted Answer

A quadriceps contusion, commonly called a 'cork thigh', 'corked thigh', 'charlie horse', or 'dead leg', is a bruise to the quadriceps muscle at the front of your thigh from a direct blow. It occurs when something strikes your thigh (opponent's knee, helmet, or hard object), crushing the muscle against your thigh bone (femur). This causes bleeding in the muscle, pain, swelling, and difficulty bending your knee. It's one of the most common injuries in contact sports like AFL, rugby, and football.

Question 2

How do I know if my contusion is mild, moderate, or severe?

Accepted Answer

Severity is based on how much you can bend your knee when assessed 24 hours after injury: Mild - can bend knee more than 90 degrees (expect 1-2 week recovery). Moderate - can bend knee 45-90 degrees (expect 3-4 week recovery). Severe - can bend knee less than 45 degrees (expect 6-8+ week recovery). The less you can bend your knee, the worse the injury and the longer recovery. This measurement is the best predictor of recovery time.

Question 3

What is myositis ossificans and why is it serious?

Accepted Answer

Myositis ossificans is bone formation within the bruised muscle, occurring in 10-20% of severe contusions. It happens when bleeding in the muscle triggers abnormal bone growth. Early stretching, massage, heat, or returning to sport too quickly dramatically increases this risk. It causes a hard, painful lump in your thigh that restricts movement and prolongs recovery by months. Prevention is critical: avoid stretching, massage, and heat for first 48-72 hours, and don't rush back to sport. If it develops, it usually resolves over 6-12 months, but occasionally requires surgical removal.

Question 4

Why can't I stretch, massage, or use heat initially?

Accepted Answer

In the first 48-72 hours, the muscle is actively bleeding and inflamed. Stretching, massage, or heat increases blood flow to the area, causing more bleeding and swelling. This dramatically increases your risk of myositis ossificans (bone forming in the muscle) and prolongs recovery. These activities are safe and helpful after 48-72 hours once bleeding has stopped. This is the single most important thing to prevent complications - resist the temptation to 'work it out' or stretch it in the first 2-3 days.

Question 5

When can I return to sport?

Accepted Answer

Return to sport only when all these criteria are met: 1) No pain with daily activities or running, 2) Full knee flexion (same as other leg), 3) Quadriceps strength at least 90% of other leg (measured by physiotherapist), 4) Can sprint, jump, and change direction without pain, 5) Complete sport-specific training without symptoms. Rushing back risks re-injury or myositis ossificans. Wear protective thigh padding for first 2-4 weeks after return. Typical timeline: mild 1-2 weeks, moderate 3-4 weeks, severe 6-8+ weeks.

Medical Disclaimer

Quadriceps Contusion (Cork Thigh / Dead Leg)

📖What is Quadriceps Contusion (Cork Thigh / Dead Leg)?

🔬What Causes It?

⚠️Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if:

🛡️Prevention