Patellar & Quadriceps Tendon Rupture

Patellar Tendon Rupture:

• A sudden, forceful contraction of the quadriceps muscle against a fixed foot, typically occurring during jumping or landing activities.
• Direct trauma to the front of the knee, such as a fall onto a bent knee or a direct blow to the patella.

Quadriceps Tendon Rupture:

• Sudden, forceful contraction of the quadriceps muscle, often seen in athletes during explosive movements or in individuals with pre-existing tendon degeneration.
• Chronic overuse or repetitive stress on the tendon, leading to degenerative changes and weakening of the tendon structure.

Patellar Tendon Rupture:

• Sudden, severe pain in the front of the knee, often accompanied by a popping or snapping sensation at the time of injury.
• Swelling and bruising around the knee joint, indicating soft tissue damage and inflammation.
• Inability to straighten the knee or bear weight on the affected leg, due to loss of tendon function and knee stability.

Quadriceps Tendon Rupture:

• Similar symptoms to patellar tendon rupture, including sudden onset of pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg.
• A visible gap or divot above the patella, where the torn tendon retracts, may be palpable on physical examination.

Diagnosing patellar tendon and quadriceps tendon ruptures typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies, including:

• Physical Examination: Assessment of knee range of motion, strength, and palpation of the tendon for abnormalities, such as a gap or defect.
• Imaging Studies: X-rays may be ordered to assess for associated fractures or bony abnormalities. MRI scans or ultrasound may be used to visualize the extent of tendon injury and assess for tendon retraction or tear location.

Non-Surgical Management:

• Non-operative treatment may be considered for partial tears or low-demand patients with minimal functional impairment.
• Immobilization with a knee brace or cast, followed by progressive physical therapy to restore strength and function.

Surgical Intervention:

• Surgical repair is often recommended for complete tears or high-demand patients requiring optimal knee function.
• Patellar Tendon Repair: Involves reattachment of the torn tendon to the patella using sutures or anchors, typically performed through an open or arthroscopic approach.
• Quadriceps Tendon Repair: Involves reattachment of the torn tendon to the patella or quadriceps muscle using sutures or anchors, often requiring an open surgical technique.

Recovery from patellar tendon and quadriceps tendon ruptures depends on various factors, including the extent of the injury, surgical intervention, and adherence to postoperative rehabilitation protocols. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in restoring knee strength, range of motion, and function, while protecting healing tissues and minimizing the risk of complications such as re-rupture or stiffness. Rehabilitation typically involves a gradual progression of exercises focused on quadriceps and hamstring strengthening, proprioception training, and functional activities, with the goal of achieving a safe return to activities and sports participation.