DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjs.2026.v12i04.014

Pages: 322-325

Background: Distal rectus femoris tendon tears are uncommon but well-recognized injuries in athletes, particularly those involved in sports requiring explosive kicking movements. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination supported by ultrasound and MRI, which provides superior soft tissue characterization and guides surgical decision-making. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 22-year-old professional football player who presented with acute anterior thigh swelling following a forceful kicking motion with no ball contact. Emergency MRI demonstrated a complete distal rectus femoris tendon tear with proximal muscle retraction, a fluid collection along the empty tendon sheath, and intact adjacent vastus muscles. Surgical repair was performed with satisfactory functional outcome. Conclusion: MRI is the gold standard for evaluating distal rectus femoris tears, accurately depicting the degree of retraction and tendon integrity. In competitive athletes with complete tears, surgical repair is recommended to restore optimal quadriceps function and allow return to sport.