A ruptured patellar tendon is an injury that can be devastating for both athletes and sedentary people. In this post, we explore this injury in detail, covering everything from symptoms and diagnosis to different treatment options.
Patellar tendon rupture is a traumatic injury in which the tendon that connects the kneecap to the tibia ruptures, which can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee.
The main causes of patellar tendon rupture include:
Falls.
Jumps.
Patellar tendonitis.
Dysplasias or malformations of the patella, joint laxity, and muscle and tendon capacity and flexibility; They can also accelerate the rupture of the patellar tendon.
The most common symptoms of patellar tendon rupture are:
Pain in the front of the knee.
Bruises.
Cramps.
Inability to straighten the leg or keep it straight.
Displacement of the kneecap, as it is not held in place by the ruptured tendon.
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Diagnosing patellar tendon rupture begins with a physical examination by the specialist. During the exam, signs of injury to the knee and the area around the patellar tendon will be looked for.
Additionally, some complementary tests may be necessary to confirm the tendon rupture, including:
X-ray: This test can show if there are abnormal calcifications in the tendon insertion or changes in the position of the kneecap.
Ultrasound: This can show the extent of the tear and help determine if it is a complete or partial rupture of the patellar tendon.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): this is the study of choice to detect patellar tendon rupture. MRI can also show the extent of the rupture and the exact location in the tendon.
Although there are several treatments for patellar tendon rupture, the treatment to select will depend on the severity of the injury, the patient’s age, and other factors. That said, your treatment might include:
This surgical procedure involves suturing the ruptured tendon back to the kneecap. Occasionally, a suture anchor may be used in the tibia bone to attach the tendon. After this type of operation, it is important to follow a rehabilitation program to strengthen the muscles of the leg.
In some cases, it is possible to treat a patellar tendon rupture by placing the leg in a cast or splint, so that the tendon can heal on its own.
Physical therapy helps strengthen the leg muscles after surgery, although it can also help recover from less serious injuries. The exercises improve flexibility and range of motion in the knee joint.
The incidence of patellar tendon rupture is relatively low. On the other hand, risk factors include older age, patellar tendonitis, and the presence of previous diseases that affect tendon health, as well as other conditions that may contribute to tendon weakness.
Additionally, the practice of contact sports, obesity and a history of knee injuries can be risk factors for patellar tendon rupture.
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