Patellar Tendon Rupture eMedicine Orthopedics

Description: The patellar tendon ruptures relatively infrequently. However, the complications of an untreated rupture to the extensor mechanism can be extremely disabling. Surgical intervention allows for excellent recovery of motion and strength, provided that the injury is diagnosed in a timely fashion and repaired immediately. The focus of this article is acute patellar tendon ruptures, especially those associated with acute sports-related injuries. Patellar tendon ruptures also can occur as a complication of total knee arthroplasty, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the patellar tendon as an autograft, or excision of chronic tendinosis. However, the etiology and treatment in these circumstances are beyond the scope of this article.
Synonyms and related keywords: patellar ligament tear, knee tendon rupture
Christopher C Annunziata, MD & Elizabeth Ignacio, MD 2002