Acute Compartment Syndrome in a Football Player With Quadriceps Contusion and Successful Return to Sport

Case: This report describes the case of quadriceps contusion progressing to acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the thigh. A 17-year-old football player presented the morning after a direct impact injury to the anterior thigh in intractable pain and pain with short arc motion. He was diagnosed with ACS and underwent successful fasciotomy, ultimately returning to play at 4 months. Conclusion: ACS is rare but potential catastrophic progression of quadriceps contusion. Accurate and timely diagnosis followed by appropriate rehabilitation is necessary for optimal outcomes.