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Patellar/Quadriceps Tendon Rupture, Sports Medicine

Rathna R. Nuti, MD, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Partial or complete rupture of the patellar or quadriceps tendon

  • Synonym(s): extensor mechanism disruption

EPIDEMIOLOGY

  • In the general population, quadriceps tendon rupture is an uncomm...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Mechanism of injury: specifically jumping, stumbling, or slipping

  • Hearing or feeling “pop” or tearing sensation

  • Immediate, disabling pain

  • Difficulty straightening or bearing weight on af...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Immobilization of knee with straight-leg immobilizer, ice, elevation, and crutch-assisted ambulation in the immediate setting

  • Immobilization and crutch use should be continued...

ONGOING CARE

PATIENT EDUCATION

  • Reasonable function can be obtained in most individuals, especially in the acute tendon rupture that is repaired immediately.

  • Most patients can return to their previous oc...

REFERENCES

1
Gao X, Shao Z, Liu S, et al. A case report of spontaneous rupture of the quadriceps tendon. Clin Case Rep.  2017;5(9):1477–1481.
2
Perfitt JS, Petrie MJ, Blundell CM, et al. Acute quadr...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Greis PE, Holmstrom MC, Lahav A. Surgical treatment options for patella tendon rupture, part I: acute. Orthopedics.  2005;28(7):672–681.

  • Ilan DI, Tejwani N, Keschner M, et al. Q...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Rupture of the extensor mechanism is an uncommon yet disabling injury requiring prompt diagnosis and early surgical management.

  • Suspect patellar or quadriceps tendon rupture in any pati...

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