Bilateral simultaneous quadriceps ruptures in an elite bodybuilder: A case report of treatment success

Tendon injuries in weightlifters is known to be associated with steroid use. Bilateral simultaneous quadriceps tendon rupture (BSQTR) is extremely rare with few cases reported in literature in young athletes. Unlike patellar tendon ruptures, they are more common in older age individuals. These injuries can jeopardize an athlete's career. In this paper, we report a very rare case of BSQTR in an elite bodybuilder who sustained a high mechanism trauma while squatting heavyweights. He sustained bilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and a left ankle fracture. All injuries were treated surgically except for the left ACL as it was asymptomatic on follow-up. The challenge in this case was to treat his injuries and to regain his baseline functional status in the shortest period of time. Following treatment, the patient had a satisfactory clinical outcome with focused rehabilitation. Despite the devastating trauma, the patient was able to progress throughout the treatment plan and has regained his baseline functional status in less than 18 months and has resumed his competitive bodybuilding career. From the available literature, this is the first case to be reported with such combined injuries that was treated and showed a satisfactory outcome in a short period of time.