Is there a time limit for surgery on a torn muscle?

[Kimberly22Ann]

I ruptured one of my quad muscles a year ago.  I have a huge lump in the middle of my leg.  I went to PT and it seemed to help but whenever I exercise my leg hurts afterward.  It feels very weak and I cannot sprint or kick a soccer ball without it feeling like it will tear again.  My knee is also starting to ache after exercise.

Is surgery still an option with it being a year old injury?

Does anyone know what I can do to try to get this better?  I feel like I am missing out on playing soccer and running marathons due to this.  I am only 25 and I do not want this to affect me when I am older.  

Thank you and any input or personal experiences would be appreciative!!!

Kim

[Kimberly22Ann]

Hi Dr. Kaul,

I have gone to 2 different othopedics now.  They both said it is unfixable but had different reasons why.  The first doctor said it has been too long since the injury and he could not do surgery on something that old.  And the other doctor said he cannot do surgery due to the tear being dead center of my leg.  He said he could only do surgery if it was closer to my knee or hip.

it is frustrating to hear something is unfixable by doctors and to hear you have to live with the nagging pain.  They also both mentioned I have to keep my leg strong.  It worrys me what it will feel like when i am older and when i am unable to keep it strong.

So even after going to doctors it seems they are scared to fix it.  

Also they both did not take new MRIs.  They based it off the original MRI.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hey Kim!

Surgery would still be an option though repairs done earlier have a better prognosis than those done later. It would be best to have this evaluated by an orthopedician for appropriate management.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!