Patellar Tendon Tears

Patellar Tendon Tears

The patellar tendon is the tendon that is just below your kneecap. The patella works as a transition point for the quadriceps and patellar tendons to provide greater knee strength. After certain injuries, it is possible to tear the patellar tendon from the patella. T

he most common cause of this injury is during sports, such as jumping or landing with force in an extended position. This injury can also occur from repetitive stress causing inflammation(tendonitis) and tendon microtears. The patellar tendon can be connected back to the patella through a minimally invasive surgery through a small incision.

Patellar Tendon TearsSymptoms

  • Bruising, swelling, and cramping of the quadriceps
  • Deformity at or below the patella
  • Knee buckling or collapsing in during weight-bearing movements
  • Tenderness to the touch over the bottom of the patella and quadriceps
  • Redness below the patella

Diagnosis

Imaging using a combination of x-ray and MRI will be used to diagnose the extent of tissue damage. The x-ray will examine the patella alignment at the knee joint, and the MRI will examine the surrounding muscle and tendon damage.

Treatment

Depending on the size and type of tear, treatment may be conservative, using a combination of immobilization and physical therapy. If the tendon is completely torn, surgical intervention is necessary to reattach the tendon to the patella for the proper functioning of the knee joint. Once healing is underway, it will be essential to regain mobility and strength of the quadriceps tendon to ensure further recovery.