Patellar Tendon Tear
Pathology
Pathology:
A rupture or tear of the patellar tendon below the knee cap
A rupture or tear of the patellar tendon below the knee cap
MOI
MOI:
-Direct impact from a fall or blow to the front of the knee
-When the knee is bent and the foot is planting such as in landing from a jump
-Cuts to the front of the knee
-Direct impact from a fall or blow to the front of the knee
-When the knee is bent and the foot is planting such as in landing from a jump
-Cuts to the front of the knee
Signs and symptoms
-Swollen knee cap
-Pain below knee
-Pain when trying to hold leg up straight
-Unable to extend leg against gravity
-When palpated there is a gap
-Pain below knee
-Pain when trying to hold leg up straight
-Unable to extend leg against gravity
-When palpated there is a gap
Structures Involved
-Quadriceps
-Knee cap
-Tibial Tubercle
-Patellar tendon
-Knee cap
-Tibial Tubercle
-Patellar tendon
Treatment
Non Surgical
Immobilization- Your doctor may recommend you wear a knee immobilizer or brace. This will keep the knee straight to help it heal. Expect to be in a brace or immobilizer for 3-6 weeks
Surgical
The procedure is to reattach the tenon. Sutures are placed in the tendon and then threaded through drill holes in the bone. The sutures are tied to the top of the kneecap and the surgeon carefully ties the sutures to the correct tension.
Immobilization- Your doctor may recommend you wear a knee immobilizer or brace. This will keep the knee straight to help it heal. Expect to be in a brace or immobilizer for 3-6 weeks
Surgical
The procedure is to reattach the tenon. Sutures are placed in the tendon and then threaded through drill holes in the bone. The sutures are tied to the top of the kneecap and the surgeon carefully ties the sutures to the correct tension.
Rehab
Over time the doctor will unlock the brace to allow greater ROM. Strengthening exercises will be added to the plan.
Depending on the severity of the tear. Rehab can take 6-12 months
Depending on the severity of the tear. Rehab can take 6-12 months
What it can lead to
-Weakness in the tendon area
-Re tears where the tendon detaches from the knee cap
-Less ROM
-Position of the knee cap may be different after surgery
-Re tears where the tendon detaches from the knee cap
-Less ROM
-Position of the knee cap may be different after surgery