Dr. Ebraheim’s educational animated video describes the condition and treatment of quadriceps tendon rupture.
The quadriceps tendon is a strong tendon which groups the four muscles that extend the knee;
•rectus femoris
•vastus intermedius (under rectus femoris)
•vastus medialis
•vastus lateralis.
The quadriceps extend the knee. A quadriceps tendon rupture is rupture of the tendon that inserts into the top of the patella. Tear of the quadriceps tendon usually occurs just above the superior pole of the patella.
Injuries to the quadriceps tendon can be very disabling and usually occurs in patients older than 40 years old.
MRI showing rupture of the quadriceps tendon. The quadriceps tendon rupture is usually associated with intense pain.
Predisposing factors of quadriceps tendon rupture:
•Tendonitis
•Systemic disease
•Diabetes
•Steroid use
•Renal failure
Symptoms
•Pain
•Swelling
•Difficulty walking
Examination
•Swelling at or above the knee
•Palpable defect above the kneecap
•Unable to actively extend the knee
x-ray
The kneecap moves distally due to pull of the patellar tendon.
If the defect is present and still the patient is able to extend the knee, then the extensor retinaculum is intact.
Treatment
Surgery
•Suturing the tendon to the bone.
•Knee immobilizer for 4-6 weeks.
•Extension of the knee after tendon repair.
