Patella Tendon Tear

Patellar tendon tears can occur from both acute traumas and chronic degenerative processes. Acute tears often result from a forceful contraction of the quadriceps muscle, such as when landing from a jump or suddenly changing direction. Chronic tears are more common in individuals over the age of 40 and are typically due to overuse and wear and tear.

When the patellar tendon is torn, one may experience immediate pain in the knee. The pain intensifies when trying to extend the knee or walk. Additional symptoms include an inability to straighten the knee, swelling, and in some cases, an indentation at the bottom of the kneecap where the patellar tendon tore. One may also feel a kneecap that has moved upwards in the leg since the patellar tendon is not holding it in place.

Partial tears have the potential to heal on their own with conservative treatment, including rest, icing, compression, and elevation (RICE). However, complete tears do not heal without intervention and typically require surgery.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination where the doctor checks for swelling and tenderness and assesses the range of motion of the knee. An X-ray or MRI scan may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the tear.

Treatment depends on the severity and type of tear. Partial tears that do not significantly disrupt the tendon’s ability to extend the knee can often be managed non-surgically with immobilization and physical therapy. However, complete tears usually require surgical repair.

Surgery is generally recommended for individuals with complete tears or partial tears that significantly affect knee function. Surgery should ideally be done within a week or two from the injury to prevent the tendon from shortening due to retraction, which can complicate the repair process.

Surgical repair involves stitching the torn tendon together and reattaching it to the kneecap or tibia using anchors or holes drilled into the bone.

Following surgery, the knee is usually immobilized completely straight for several weeks to allow the tendon to heal. Physical therapy is then initiated to restore knee strength and flexibility. Full recovery and return to sports can take six months or longer, depending on the severity of the tear and the individual’s overall health.