Patellar and Quadriceps Tendon Tear Treatment

Understanding Knee Conditions and Available Treatments

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Patellar and Quadriceps (Quad) Tendon Tear Treatment in Alabama

Sports injuries are common concerns for athletes and active individuals. They can occur at any moment, and when they do, they threaten to end a sports career. Fortunately, injuries like quadriceps and patellar tendon tears do not need to keep people from doing what they love. Southlake Orthopaedics delivers complete orthopedic care at convenient locations in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, Alabama. Our multi-specialty team assists patients at every stage of the treatment process to find less pain, more living.

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What Is a Patellar or Quadriceps Tendon Tear?

Tendons are tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bones, enabling movement. There are two primary tendons in the knee that work together to enable straightening of the leg:

  • Patellar tendon: Located at the bottom of the knee, this tendon connects the kneecap (patella) with the shin (tibia).
  • Quadriceps tendon: Located at the top of the knee, this tendon connects the kneecap with the thigh muscle (quadriceps).

 

A patellar or quadriceps tendon tear occurs when one of these tendons becomes damaged, usually due to a sudden, strong force. Tears may be partial, meaning that the tendon is incompletely severed; or they may be complete, meaning that there has been a complete disconnect from the bone.

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Runner suffering from knee pain outdoors

Patellar or Quad Tendon Tear Symptoms

Patients who suffer a patellar or quad tendon tear typically hear a snapping or popping sound at the time of the break. This sound is followed by sudden, severe symptoms, including:

  • Pain above or under the kneecap
  • Swelling and bruising around the knee
  • A divot above or below the knee
  • Muscle cramps in the thigh
  • Difficulty walking

 

Patients can tell whether a tear is partial or complete by how easily they can straighten their leg. Partial ruptures make it difficult to extend the leg, while a total rupture makes the movement impossible.

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Patellar and Quad Tendon Tear Causes and Risk Factors

Patellar and quad tendon tears occur when the tendon is subject to a larger force than it can withstand, often due to falling or jumping. This injury is most common in runners and athletes who participate in jump-heavy sports, including basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics.

A weakened tendon can make tears more likely. Tendinitis, or inflammation of a tendon, can cause small tears that render the tendon vulnerable to major injury. Other conditions that may weaken the patellar and quad tendons include:

  • Previous surgeries
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • High cholesterol
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Metabolic diseases
  • Infection

 

Finally, corticosteroid injections have also been linked to weakened tendons and an increased likelihood of rupture. For this reason, physicians typically do not recommend this treatment for pain in and around the knee.

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Dr. Michael T. Ellerbusch showing computer screen to young patient on crutches and parent

Diagnosing Patellar and Quad Tendon Tears

Patellar and quad tendon tears are typically obvious enough to be diagnosed with only a physical examination. Patients with a torn tendon are unable to extend their knee or perform a straight leg raise test. The physician may also feel above and below the knee for a gap caused by the tear.

The physical examination is often followed by medical imaging to determine the extent of the injury. X-ray tests show clear images of bone, which can be used to rule out a patellar fracture. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is ideal for creating images of soft tissue. These may be used to confirm the diagnosis, determine which tendon or part of the tendon is torn, and spot tiny tears.

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Dr. Michael F. Blum examining knee x-rays on computer screens
Dr. Michael F. Blum examining patient’s knee after knee surgery

Treatment Options for Patellar and Quad Tendon Tears

After diagnosing a patellar or quad tendon tear, the Southlake Orthopaedics team is prepared to plan the patient’s treatment. Small tears are typically treated non-invasively. The knee will be immobilized for three to six weeks to let the tendon heal naturally. The patient may need crutches to avoid putting weight on the knee. Once the tendon has healed completely, they will begin a physical therapy and rehabilitation plan to rebuild strength and mobility in the knee.

Serious tears are treated with surgery. During this procedure, the surgeon trims away any ragged portions of the damaged tendon. They then reattach the tendon to the kneecap using suture anchors. If the tendon has been shortened significantly, then graft tissue may be used to lengthen it. Finally, wires or sutures are used to hold the kneecap in place until the tendon heals.

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Meet Our Team

Southlake Orthopaedics is proud to offer the highest level of care for our patients. This commitment is made possible by our outstanding team of multi-specialty, board-certified physicians, who collaborate to deliver comprehensive sports medicine care. Meet the doctors here:

Access Treatment for Patellar and Quad Tendon Tears in AL

If you or a loved one has recently suffered a patellar or quadriceps tendon tear, find the path to healing today at Southlake Orthopaedics. We are a multi-specialty team that delivers comprehensive care at every stage, including diagnosis, conservative treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation. Our services are available at convenient locations in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, Alabama, reaching patients throughout the state. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

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Adam M. Lukasiewicz, M.D.

Dewey H. Jones, M.D.

George Robert Booker, M.D.

John S. Kirchner, M.D.

Jonathan Isbell, M.D.

Michael F. Blum, M.D.

Michael T. Ellerbusch, M.D.

Richard L. “Beau” Grantier, M.D

William D. Krauss, D.O.