Aetiology

The aetiology of patellar tendon rupture may vary according to the age:

• in younger patients - usually caused by significant trauma or cumulative microtrauma
• in older patients - often associated with degenerative changes associated with aging (1)

The following factors have been implicated as contributors for rupture of the tendon:

• injury - laceration and direct blows
• chronic diseases
• medication-related risks including chronic systemic corticosteroid therapy, prior corticosteroid injections, and exposure to fluoroquinolone antibiotics
• complication of knee surgery - total knee arthroplasty, a late complication of a tibial nail, removal of the central third of the tendon for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)

Reference:

1. Brinkman JC, Reeson E, Chhabra A. Acute Patellar Tendon Ruptures: An Update on Management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev. 2024 Apr 01;8(4)