Patellar tendon (knee) breaking

General or Other | - Others | Patellar tendon (knee) breaking (Disease)


Description

Tendons attach muscles to bones. The patellar tendon attaches the bottom of the kneecap (patella) to the top of the shinbone (tibia). It is actually a ligament that connects to two different bones, the patella and the tibia.

The patella is attached to the quadriceps muscles by the quadriceps tendon. Working together, the quadriceps muscles, quadriceps tendon and patellar tendon straighten the knee.

Causes and Risk factors

Although anyone can injure the patellar tendon, tears are more common among middle-aged people who play running or jumping sports. A complete tear of the patellar tendon is a disabling injury. It usually requires surgery to regain full knee function.

Typically, patients who experience this injury fall on to a partially bent knee. When the quadriceps muscle contracts to break the fall, the quadriceps tendon or patellar tendon cannot withstand the force and ruptures.

This injury is most common in middle-aged (30-60 year old), part-time athletes (weekend warriors). Most commonly, some injuries to the quadriceps tendon and patellar tendon occur in non-athletes, performing non-athletic activities.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Many patients with such injuries are treated for weeks or months for sprains, arthritis, neuritis or similar disabilities. In a great majority of these cases, if the rupture is extensive, an accurate diagnosis and surgical repair will not only improve the ultimate function of the limb but return the patient to activity much sooner than the usual conservative measures. ...