Quadriceps Tendon Tear

Quadriceps tendon tears typically occur during activities that involve rapid acceleration or deceleration forces, such as jumping or landing from a jump. They can happen suddenly during high-intensity activity in younger people, but are more commonly a result of a minor event, such as a stumble or missed step, in older individuals due to degeneration of the tendon over time.

Symptoms of a quadriceps tendon tear include sudden and severe pain in the knee, inability to walk or extend the knee, swelling, and an indentation at the top of the kneecap where the quadriceps tendon tore. If a complete tear occurs, one may see the kneecap slip downwards, disrupting the natural contour of the knee.

Partial tears can sometimes heal with conservative treatment, including rest, icing, compression, and elevation (RICE). However, complete tears typically require surgical intervention to restore the knee’s function.

Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination, where knee surgeon Dr. Mayo will check for swelling, tenderness, and knee range of motion. Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs can confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the extent of the tear.

Treatment options depend on the severity of the tear. Non-surgical treatments such as immobilization with a knee brace or cast, and physical therapy, may be recommended for partial tears. However, complete tears usually require surgery to reattach the tendon to the kneecap.

Surgery is generally recommended for patients with complete tears, or partial tears that significantly impair knee function. Ideally, surgery should be performed soon after the injury to prevent the tendon from retracting and scarring, which can make the repair process more challenging.

In order to restore the strength and function of your leg, knee surgeon Dr. Ben Mayo reattaches the torn tendon to the kneecap by stitching it and passing the sutures through anchors. If the tendon has retracted, sutures may be passed through drill holes in the kneecap to reattach the tendon. In cases of chronic tears, a graft from a donor may be used to rebuild the tendon.

After surgery, the knee may be immobilized for several weeks to protect the repair and allow the tendon to heal. Physical therapy is then initiated to regain knee strength and mobility. Full recovery can take several months, depending on the severity of the tear and individual factors.