Patellar tendon rupture

Patellar tendon rupture
Other namesPatellar tendon tear
Patellar tendon rupture showing a marked distance between the tibial tuberosity and the bottom of the knee cap.
SpecialtyOrthopedics
SymptomsPain, trouble walking, inability to straighten the knee[1]
Usual onsetSudden[2]
TypesPartial, complete[1]
CausesFalling directly on the knee, jumping from a height[1]
Risk factorsPatellar tendinitis, kidney failure, diabetes, steroid use[1]
Diagnostic methodBased on symptoms, examination, medical imaging[1]
Differential diagnosisPatellar fracture, patella dislocation, quadriceps tendon rupture, muscle strain[2][3]
TreatmentRest, physiotherapy, surgery[1]
PrognosisGood[1]
FrequencyUp 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]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "Patellar Tendon Tear". OrthoInfo - AAOS. February 2016. Retrieved 7 July 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Bracker MD (2012). The 5-Minute Sports Medicine Consult. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 446. ISBN 9781451148121.
  3. ^ "Knee Extensor Injuries - Injuries and Poisoning". Merck Manuals Consumer Version. Retrieved 5 November 2018.