Quadricep Tendon Tears and Repair
Knee Treatments
What Causes a Quadriceps Tendon Tears?
The four muscles of the quadricep converge at the kneecap (patella) to form the quadriceps tendon and work with the patella tendon to allow the knee to straighten. Injuries to the quadriceps tendon are often caused by a sudden change in direction to a planted foot or a quick acceleration that overloads the ligament. Although this injury is most common among athletes who participate in sports that require running or changes in direction, they can also be caused by a sudden impact to the knee.
Quadricep tendon tears range in severity and can be classified as either Partial Tendon Tears or Complete Tendon Tears.
If you have a Quadriceps Tendon Tear the symptoms can include:
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Feeling a sudden “pop”
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A visible indentation above the kneecap
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Swelling or bruising
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Difficulty walking
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Instability in the knee
The Board Certified Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Specialists at OSS Health have helped thousands of patients with Quadriceps Tendon injuries return to an active and healthy lifestyle using a variety of treatment options.
How Are Quadricep Tendon Tears Treated at OSS Health?
The treatment for a Quadriceps Tendon Tear is based on the severity of the injury as well as your specific lifestyle. In some instances where the quadricep is not completely torn, conservative treatment options to allow the ligament to heal may be recommended.
These treatment options can include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Bracing
- Physical Therapy
In other instances, your OSS Health Specialist will recommend a procedure known as a Quadriceps Tendon Repair to reattach the tendon to the knee. The Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeons at OSS Health are experts in Quadriceps Tendon Repair procedures and have helped thousands of patients return to an active and healthy lifestyle following this procedure.
What is a Quadriceps Tendon Repair?
Quadriceps Tendon Repair is a surgical procedure that reconnects a torn Quadriceps Tendon to the patella (kneecap). At OSS Health, this procedure is performed on an outpatient basis so that you can return home the same day as your procedure.
During a Quadriceps Tendon Repair the following steps are performed:
- Incision. An incision is made in the knee in the area of the tear.
- Tunnels. Tiny holes are drilled in the top of the patella.
- Securing the ligament. Sutures are passed through the torn tendon and then the holes. Sutures are gently pulled and then carefully tied to bring the tendon and bone together.
The incision is carefully closed and sterilely dressed and the knee is placed in a hinged knee brace that is set to a locked position and the knee remains immobilized for at least 2 weeks. The brace is adjusted in intervals and you are able to move their knee as the tendon heals.