Glossary term
Quadriceps
The large four-headed muscle group at the front of the thigh responsible for knee extension.
Definition
The large four-headed muscle group at the front of the thigh (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius) responsible for knee extension. A primary focus of strengthening exercises during femoral lengthening rehabilitation.
Aliases
quads
Updated 2026-03-01
Sources
- Simultaneous Bilateral Femoral and Tibial Lengthening in Achondroplasia — Shabtai L et al., Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, 2021official_publicAccessed 2026-02-28
33 obstacles in femoral+tibial lengthening including 10 peroneal nerve entrapments, 8 premature consolidations. Lengthening 5-8 cm medium risk; >8 cm higher complication rate.
- Results and complications of bilateral limb lengthening in achondroplasia — Ferruzza M et al., Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2023official_publicAccessed 2026-02-28
46 lengthening procedures (56 tibias, 36 femurs). Average tibial gain 7.9 cm, femoral gain 6.9 cm. 20.7% complication rate across 92 segments. Each week of external fixation associated with 4.7% increased complication risk.
- Stature Lengthening Surgery — Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), Reif TJofficial_publicAccessed 2026-02-28
Most patients gain ~3 inches via femur; up to 5-6 inches total with tibia addition. Six-month process for femur alone.
Informational only. Not medical advice.