Patellar / Quadriceps Tendon Repair

A patella or quadriceps tendon rupture is a severe injury that can cause patients to be unable to walk without a brace or straighten their knees. Surgery for patellar and quadriceps tendon repair is typically recommended for most patients.

Surgical repair is often performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia. During surgery, the surgeon makes an incision over the knee to directly visualize and repair the tendon. Suture anchors are placed in the patella bone, which comprises small implants with sutures attached to them. The sutures are then used to stitch the torn tendon to reattach it to the patella. Prompt surgical repair of acute tears is recommended within 2-3 weeks of injury. Outcomes are generally good to excellent when surgical repair is prompt. Issues after surgery are uncommon but can include weakness and knee stiffness.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Right after surgery, the knee is usually immobilized with a brace to protect the repair for at least 4-6 weeks. A specific rehabilitation protocol that includes a range of motion progression will be provided to balance, protect the repair, and prevent knee stiffness. Physical therapy is a critical part of the recovery process. It typically begins with muscle strengthening and gentle range of motion exercises. Full recovery takes 5-6 months for those aiming to return to contact or high-impact sports.

The UCSF Women’s Sports Medicine Center is the first sports medicine center in the Bay Area to focus exclusively on female athletes. With a team of sports medicine and orthopaedic specialists, we support female athletes of all ages and abilities, from recreational to elite. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more. We have offices in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Redwood City for your convenience.

References

• https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/quadriceps-tendon-tear/
• https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/patellar-tendon-tear/