Patellar tendon rupture | |
---|---|
Other names | Patellar tendon tear |
Patellar tendon rupture showing a marked distance between the tibial tuberosity and the bottom of the knee cap. | |
Specialty | Orthopedics |
Symptoms | Pain, trouble walking, inability to straighten the knee[1] |
Usual onset | Sudden[2] |
Types | Partial, complete[1] |
Causes | Falling directly on the knee, jumping from a height[1] |
Risk factors | Patellar tendinitis, kidney failure, diabetes, steroid use[1] |
Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms, examination, medical imaging[1] |
Differential diagnosis | Patellar fracture, patella dislocation, quadriceps tendon rupture, muscle strain[2][3] |
Treatment | Rest, physiotherapy, surgery[1] |
Prognosis | Good[1] |
Frequency | Up to 1 in 10,000 per year[2] |
Patellar tendon rupture is a tear of the tendon that connects the knee cap (patella) to the tibia.[1] Often there is sudden onset of pain and walking is difficult.[1] In a complete rupture, the ability to extend that knee is decreased.[1] A pop may be felt when it occurs.[2]
Injury to the patellar tendon generally requires a significant force such as falling directly on the knee or jumping from a height.[1] Risk factors include patellar tendinitis, kidney failure, diabetes, and steroid or fluoroquinolone use.[1][2] There are two main types of ruptures: partial and complete.[1] In most cases, the patellar tendon tears at the point where it attaches to the knee cap.[1] Diagnosis is based on symptoms, examination, and medical imaging.[1]
Small tears may be treated with rest and splinting, followed by physiotherapy.[1][2] Larger tears typically require surgery within a couple of weeks.[1][2] Outcomes are generally good.[1] Rates in the general population are not clear; however, in certain high-risk groups it occurs about 1 in 10,000 per year.[2] They occur most often in those under the age of 40.[2]