The quadriceps tendon is a thick tissue located at the top of the kneecap. The quadriceps tendon works together with the quadriceps muscles to allow us to straighten our legs. The quadriceps muscles are the muscles located in front of the thigh.
Quadriceps tendon rupture most commonly occurs in middle-aged people who participate in sports that involve jumping and running. Quadriceps tears occur from a fall, a direct blow to the leg, and when you land on your leg awkwardly from a jump. Other causes include tendonitis (inflammation of the quadriceps tendon), diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, infection, and chronic renal failure, which weakens the quadriceps tendon. Use of medications such as steroids and some antibiotics also weakens the quadriceps tendon.
When the quadriceps tendon tears, the patella may lose its anchoring support in the thigh. As a result, the patella moves towards the foot. You will be unable to straighten your knee and upon standing the knee buckles upon itself.
To identify a quadriceps tendon tear, your doctor will ask about your medical history and perform a physical examination of your knee. Some imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI scan, may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. An X-ray of the knee is taken to determine the position of the kneecap and an MRI scan is taken to determine the extent and location of the tear.
Quadriceps tendon tear can be treated by non-surgical and surgical methods. Non-surgical treatment involves the use of knee braces to immobilize the knee. Crutches may be needed to prevent the joint from bearing weight. Physical therapy may be recommended to restore the strength and increase the range of motion of the knee.
Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis cannot be repaired arthroscopically since the tendon is outside the joint. The goal of the surgery is to reattach the torn tendon to the kneecap and to restore the normal function of the knee. Sutures are placed in the torn tendon, which is then passed through the holes drilled in the kneecap. The sutures are tied at the bottom of the knee cap to pull the torn edge of the tendon back to its normal position.
Surgical complications include weakness and loss of motion. In some cases, the tendon that re-attached may detach from the knee cap or re-tears may also occur. Other complications such as pain, infection and blood clot may be observed.
Following surgery, a brace may be needed to protect the healing tendon. Complete healing of the tendon will take about 4 months.
