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Patellar tendon rupture

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Isolated patellar tendon rupture is a rare injury which results in disruption of the extensor mechanism of the knee (1).

  • the condition is the third most common type of injury to the extensor mechanism of the knee following patella fracture and quadriceps tendon rupture. (2)
  • mainly seen in patients who are in their third and fourth decades (1)
  • more common in males than in females (1)

The injury can be

  • indirect - more common, caused by rapid contraction of the quadriceps muscles with a flexed knee
  • direct - less common, caused by a violent impact against a taut quadriceps tendon (3)

Bilateral simultaneous rupture is seen on rare occasions (e.g. - in chronic systemic diseases) (1).

References:

  1. Greis PE, Holmstrom MC, Lahav A.Surgical treatment options for patella tendon rupture, Part I: Acute. Orthopedics. 2005 Jul;28(7):672-9
  2. Ramseier LE, Werner CM, Heinzelmann M. Quadriceps and patellar tendon rupture. Injury. Jun 2006;37(6):516-9.
  3. Bartalena T et al.Patellar tendon rupture: radiologic and ultrasonographic findings. West J Emerg Med. 2010 Feb;11(1):90-1.

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