The patellar tendon works with the muscles in the front of your thigh - the quadriceps - to straighten your leg. Although anyone can injure the patellar tendon, tears are more common among middle-aged people who play running or jumping sports. A complete tear of the patellar tendon is a disabling injury. It usually requires surgery to regain full knee function.Most people require surgery to regain the most function in their leg. Surgical repair reattaches the torn tendon to the kneecap. People who require surgery do better if the repair is performed early after the injury. Early repair may prevent the tendon from scarring and tightening in a shortened position.
Symptoms:
An indentation at the bottom of your kneecap where the patellar tendon tore
Bruising
Tenderness
Cramping
Your kneecap may move up into the thigh because it is no longer anchored to your shinbone
You are unable to straighten your knee
Difficulty walking due to the knee buckling or giving way
Causes:
Fall from a height
Landing from a jump
Tendon weakness- tendinitis
Chronic disease
Steroid use
Treatment:
Period of immobilization in locked knee extension brace x 6 weeks
