A quadriceps tendon rupture is a tear of the

tendon A tendon or sinew is a tough, high-tensile-strength band of dense fibrous connective tissue that connects muscle to bone. It is able to transmit the mechanical forces of muscle contraction to the skeletal system without sacrificing its ability ...

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 The patella, also known as the kneecap, is a flat, rounded triangular bone which articulates with the femur (thigh bone) and covers and protects the anterior articular surface of the knee joint. The patella is found in many tetrapods, such as m ...

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms are pain and the inability to extend the knee 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 waves with frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing. Ultrasound is not different from "normal" (audible) sound in its physical properties, except that humans cannot hear it. This limit varies ...

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

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 terms. Motion includes movement of organs, joints, limbs, and specific sections of the body. The terminology used describes this motion according to its direction relativ ...

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