Quadriceps Tendon Rupture
What is it? A tear of the quadriceps tendon that can occur either at the osteotendinous junction or mid-substance of the tendon.
How does it present? It usually occurs with a fall onto a partially bent knee. The firing of the quadriceps to prevent falling tears the tendon or tears it from its bony attachment. The knee is usually quite painful and swollen. The patient often can not walk.
Common exam findings: The patient is usually unable to bear weight or walk on that leg. You will often see a large effusion and can often discern a defect above the patella (suprapatellar gap). The patella may also be quite freely mobile. With significant or full tears of the quadriceps tendon, the patient will not be able to do a straight leg raise.
Tests and treatment: Knee x-rays may show the patella to be lower than expected or lower than the patella on x-rays of the contralateral knee. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be needed to determine the full extent of the injury. If you suspect a quadriceps tendon rupture, referral to orthopedics is indicated. Full tears are most commonly treated surgically, although partial tears may be treated conservatively with immobilization.