Patellar and Quadriceps Tendon Tears: Treatment Options

Patellar and Quadriceps Tendon Tears: Treatment Options

This video will review treatment options for patellar and quadriceps tendon tears. Tears to the patellar tendon or quadriceps tendon require treatment as soon as possible for the best recovery. If either tendon is partially torn, in which the tear does not go all the way through the tendon, treatment is usually nonsurgical. The knee will be immobilized in a large leg brace that will keep the knee straight for several weeks, and an assistive device like crutches will be used to get around. Gentle bending of the knee in a non-weight-bearing position may be performed during this time, but strengthening exercises are usually not started until 6 weeks after injury to help the tendon heal.

More often, a patellar tendon or quadriceps tendon tear is a full tear, also called a rupture, in which the tendon tears into 2 parts. Full tears require surgery to reattach the torn tendon back to the kneecap. It is recommended that surgery be performed within the first few weeks after injury for the best possible outcomes. If the tendon is healthy enough, surgery can repair it back together. Sutures and anchors can be used to reattach either tendon back to the kneecap. If needed, the repair may also be supported with a tendon or skin graft for further support. Cases not treated right away, or more complicated cases may require the tendons to be reconstructed with tendon grafts.

It is common for weight-bearing to be restricted in the beginning weeks after surgery. Patients will typically have to stay off of the affected leg for a few weeks before beginning partial weight-bearing with crutches or another assistive device. Full weight-bearing and strengthening typically begins at 6 weeks after surgery. Recovery after surgery takes several months of physical therapy to restore normal movements, strength, and function. Many people can return to sports and labor-intensive work as early as 5 to 6 months, but may take up to 1 year after surgery for full recovery. Those who have a sedentary job will return to work sooner.

In summary, partial tendon tears may be treated without surgery by wearing a leg brace for several weeks, followed by physical therapy, but these injuries are not common. Most tears are full tears through the patellar or quadriceps tendon, and require surgery to reattach the tendon to the kneecap. Sometimes the tendon will be supported or reconstructed with a graft. Rehabilitation after surgery takes several months and starts with an initial period of staying off of the operated leg, followed by physical therapy.