Quadriceps atrophy

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

Quadriceps atrophy is the physical wasting of the quadriceps muscle.

Atrophy versus Inhibition

Atrophy must be compared with 'inhibition', which often occurs soon after a knee insult, such as surgery. In inhibition the muscle is not wasted, but a reflex action prevents the muscle from firing properly. Unlike atrophy, it usually reverses relatively easily.

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