Vastus Lateralis

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Description

The vastus lateralis muscle is on the side of the thigh. This muscle is the largest of the quadriceps group (often called quads) which also includes the rectus femoris, the vastus intermedius, and the vastus medialis. Taken together, the muscles of the legs allow strength and stability. They provide power for and absorb the impact of daily activities such as walking, running, and jumping.

Anatomy

The vastus lateralis is an anterior muscle of the thigh, part of the quadriceps femoris group.

Origin

Upper intertrochanteric line, base of greater trochanter, lateral linea aspera, lateral supracondylar ridge and lateral intermuscular septum

Insertion

Lateral quadriceps tendon to patella, via ligamentum patellae into tubercle of tibia

Nerve Supply

Posterior division of femoral nerve (L3,4)

Blood Supply

      Lateral circumflex femoral artery 

Function

Actions

 extension at knee

can abnormally displaced patella

Techniques

Palpation

have client supine

place palpating hand distal to greater trochanter

ask the client to contract quadriceps femoris group 

continute palpating distally towards patella

Length Tension Testing / Stretching

• Standing 

Stand on one leg and pull the other foot up behind your bottom
Keep your knees together and push your hips forwards to increase the stretch
Hold for between 10 and 30 seconds

                                                  

• Laying

Lay on your front and pull one foot up to meet your buttocks
Hold for between 10 and 30 seconds

                                               

Trigger Point Referral Pattern

Pain may be felt over the full length of the lateral anterior (outside and front) thigh as well as behind the knee. Pain is also sometimes reported to feel like explosions up and down the thigh.A person with TrPs in the lateralis may have a stuck patella with pain that wraps up and around the lateral border of the patella and even up the thigh. TrPs in this muscle also make it painful to lie on the affected side and if done so, will disturb sleep.

References

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