A quadriceps tendon rupture is a tear of the

tendon A tendon or sinew is a tough band of fibrous connective tissue, dense fibrous connective tissue that connects skeletal muscle, muscle to bone. It sends the mechanical forces of muscle contraction to the skeletal system, while withstanding tensi ...

that runs from the

quadriceps muscle The quadriceps femoris muscle (, also called the quadriceps extensor, quadriceps or quads) is a large muscle group that includes the four prevailing muscles on the front of the thigh. It is the sole extensor muscle of the knee, forming a large ...

to the top of the knee cap.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms are pain and the inability to extend the

knee In humans and other primates, the knee joins the thigh with the leg and consists of two joints: one between the femur and tibia (tibiofemoral joint), and one between the femur and patella (patellofemoral joint). It is the largest joint in the hu ...

against resistance. A gap can often be palpated at the tendon's normal location.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is usually made clinically, but

ultrasound Ultrasound is sound with frequency, frequencies greater than 20 Hertz, kilohertz. This frequency is the approximate upper audible hearing range, limit of human hearing in healthy young adults. The physical principles of acoustic waves apply ...

MRI Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to generate pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes inside the body. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and rad ...

can be used if there is any doubt. Image:Quadriceps Ruptur Roe1.jpg, Quadriceps tendon rupture in plain X-ray Image:Quadriceps Ruptur Roe2.jpg, Quadriceps tendon rupture in plain X-ray: Incomplete rupture with haematoma in tendon. Image:Quadriceps Ruptur Roe3.jpg, Quadriceps tendon rupture in plain X-ray Image:Patellarsehenruptur Quadrizepssehnenruptur Roe.jpg, X-ray of a tear of the patellar tendon. On the left: The kneecap is pulled up. On the right: Significant dent in the soft tissue above the kneecap. Image:Quadrizepssehnenruptur.jpg, Operative image: 1. Kneecap 2. upper patella pole with drill holes 3. Stump of the quadriceps tendon

Treatment

The tendon can be surgically repaired. Afterwards a brace is given that prevents

flexion Motion, the process of movement, is described using specific anatomical terminology, anatomical terms. Motion includes movement of Organ (anatomy), organs, joints, Limb (anatomy), limbs, and specific sections of the body. The terminology used de ...

of the knee. Athletes who have had this injury generally return to action in about 9 months to a year.

References

External links

{{Medicine Dislocations, sprains and strains Soft tissue disorders Injuries of hip and thigh