Patellar and quadriceps tendon rupture

The quadriceps and patellar tendon are important components of the knee extensor mechanism, which is constituted by the quadriceps muscles, quadriceps tendon, the patella, the patellar tendon and inserts on the tibia through the tibial tubercle. Once the extensor mechanism of the knee is extremely stressed during a high-impact functional activity (e.g., fall from height or abrupt stop during a sprint) or is already weakened in some specific areas due to progressive degenerative conditions (e.g., long-standing tendinopathy), injury can occur at several locations within the chain, including the patella, quadriceps tendon (above the kneecap), and patellar tendon (below the kneecap). Ruptures of these tendons are usually the result of high quadriceps contraction in the knee flexion position with high loads involved during activity. Depending on the specifics of the injury, patellar tendon injury can be classified as complete, when a transverse rupture completely crosses the tendon, and partial, if some fibers show continuity. Patients often present with a palpable defect at the site of the injury, localized tenderness, swelling, reduced ability to move the knee and bear weight, resulting in decreased overall function.

Management

The treatment plan is highly dependent on the type of patellar tendon injury reported, where, if complete, surgery will be required, whereas, if partial, depending on a number of other factors, including the functioning of the knee extensor mechanism, a nonsurgical option may be plausible. The time from injury to diagnosis is a critical factor as a delay in treatment or missed diagnosis can significantly affect outcomes. At Isokinetic Medical Group you will be seen promptly and immediately after diagnosis you will be directed to the most appropriate course of action for you, surgical or nonsurgical depending on your condition. When surgical management is required, tendon repair or reconstruction are the most commonly implemented techniques and are selected based on several factors that are commonly discussed with the surgeon (time since injury, location of rupture, extent of injury, etc.).

Management

Post patellar tendon injury rehabilitation is a critical intervention, and you need a specialized medical team to support you throughout the recovery process. Safe and effective progression in the first few weeks after surgery is critical and requires rigorous attention to surgical protocols to allow biological healing of the tissue, combined with appropriate stimulation to gradually improve knee mobility to avoid complications. Guided by our Medical Group, you will progress through the different phases of rehabilitation, regaining your mobility in the pool and gym, restoring your strength in the gym, optimizing the quality of your movement in our movement analysis room, and finally returning to your daily activities and sports after completing our field rehabilitation plan, where we will minimize the risk of re-injury and restore your performance.