Patellar Tendon Rupture
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shin bone. A partial rupture of this tendon is often from a jumping or explosive load on the tendon.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Patellar tendon ruptures are extremely painful and may be accompanied with an audible 'pop' at the time of injury
- Swelling of the knee
- Inability to weight-bear
- Inability to straighten the knee or hold it in a straightened position
Patellar Tendon Rupture Explained
The patella tendon (or patella ligament) connects the patella (kneecap) to the front of the tibia (shin bone) at a protrusion called the tibial tuberosity. Its function is to act as a lever arm for the quadriceps muscles. The quadriceps themselves insert into the upper surface of the patella and when contracted pull on the patella, and thus the patellar tendon, to straighten the knee joint.
The patella tendon is prone to rupturing in individuals with a history of patellar tendon injury such as jumpers knee or degeneration due to age. Injuries of this type serve to weaken the patellar tendon and in the event of strong eccentric quadriceps contraction (contraction during lengthening of the muscle), such as landing from jump, the patella tendon may snap or rupture most commonly at the lower end of the patella.
Corticosteroid injections given to address the inflammation seen in patellar tendonopathies (i.e. jumpers knee) are also known to predispose the individual to ruptures.
Treatment for Patella Tendon Rupture
What can the athlete do?
- Apply RICE technique as soon as possible.
- Take NSAID's (e.g. Ibuprofen) for pain relief and to help decrease swelling.
- Seek professional medical assistance immediately.
Treatment & Rehabilitation
- In most cases the patellar tendon becomes completely ruptured across its width and thus surgical intervention is required to repair the damage. This involves suturing (stitching) the torn tendon.
- Following surgery the patient will be advised on a specific rehabilitation plan which normally involves little or no weight-bearing on the affected knee and wearing a knee brace to prevent the knee from bending. This may be required for more than 6 weeks.
- Once the knee brace has been removed exercises to regain full range of movement and build up the strength of the quadriceps muscle group should be carried out.
Rehabilitation from a patellar tendon rupture is extremely slow and it may take between 6 and 12 months before the patient is able to return to sports.
