Musculus quadriceps femoris -- rectus femoris
The rectus femoris is one of the four heads of the quadriceps femoris. It is unique because it crosses both the hip and stifle joints. It originates from the ilium, cranial to the acetabulum, and inserts on the tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligaments. Its actions are to extend the stifle and flex the hip. It is innervated by the femoral nerve (roughly L4-L5). Because it is biarticular and subject to high loads, it is the most commonly strained component of the quadriceps group.
Origin: Ilium, cranial to the acetabulum (hip socket)
Insertion: Tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligaments
Action: Extends the stifle; flexes the hip
Innervation: Femoral nerve (L4-L5)
Strain of the rectus femoris can cause hindlimb lameness and reduced stifle extension or hip flexion. Diagnosis involves clinical examination and ultrasound. Relevant in performance horses and after trauma or overexertion.
## Overview Rectus femoris strain is injury to the portion of the quadriceps that both flexes the hip and extends the stifle. It occurs during explosive acceleration or jumping. Signs include acute h
Sudden hindlimb lameness with swelling or pain over the front of the thigh after work should be evaluated. Rest and appropriate rehabilitation are important for recovery.
## Overview Rectus femoris strain is injury to the portion of the quadriceps that both flexes the hip and extends the stifle. It occurs during explosive acceleration or jumping. Signs include acute hind-limb lameness, pain and swelling over the cranial thigh, and difficulty with uphill work. ## Causes Sudden overload when the muscle must perform dual actions. ## Diagnosis Palpation and ultrasound. ## Treatment Rest and controlled rehabilitation. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good. ## Prevention Adequate warm-up and conditioning. Signs include: acute hind-limb lameness; pain and swelling over the cranial thigh; reluctance to flex the hip with the stifle extended; difficulty with uphill work
Strain of the rectus femoris can cause hindlimb lameness and reduced stifle extension or hip flexion. Diagnosis involves clinical examination and ultrasound. Relevant in performance horses and after trauma or overexertion.
Sudden hindlimb lameness with swelling or pain over the front of the thigh after work should be evaluated. Rest and appropriate rehabilitation are important for recovery.
See the Rectus Femoris on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model