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