The quadriceps muscles are the large group of muscles on the front of the thigh that are responsible for fully straightening the leg. The four quadriceps muscles come together into a central tendon that attaches to the top of the patella (kneecap).
Partial tears of the quadriceps tendon can make it difficult to walk or participate in sports. A complete rupture is a debilitating injury and requires early surgical treatment to restore the knee’s extensor mechanism.
What Is a Quadriceps Tendon Rupture?
A quadriceps tendon rupture is a tear of the tendon that connects the quadriceps muscles to the top of the patella.
Partial tears can interfere with walking and sports. A complete rupture causes a major loss of function and typically requires early surgical repair.
Causes and Risk Factors
Quadriceps tendon rupture may result from:
- A sudden episode of stressful overactivity, such as jumping, hurdling, or beginning a sprint
- A direct blow or injury to the knee
Risk factors include:
- Sports that require sudden, explosive quadriceps contractions, such as jumping, quick starts, or kicking
- Running sports, especially running downhill
- Poor physical conditioning, including weakness or tight, inflexible muscles
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising, or redness over the quadriceps tendon, usually near the upper part of the kneecap
- Pain and, occasionally, loss of strength when forcefully straightening the knee
- Pain when jumping or rising from a seated or squatting position
- Pain when fully bending the knee, such as during squatting or kneeling
- Crepitation, or a crackling sound, when the tendon is moved or touched
Treatment
Initial treatment may include medication and ice to relieve pain. Crutches are often used to assist with walking.
An MRI may be ordered to evaluate the integrity of the quadriceps tendon.
Surgical repair of a ruptured quadriceps tendon is usually recommended within three weeks of the initial injury.
Following surgery, outpatient physical therapy is used to restore function. Patients should expect approximately four to six months of formal rehabilitation.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or other pain relievers such as acetaminophen, may be recommended as directed by a physician. Cortisone injections are not given because they may weaken tendons.
Cold may be used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Heat may be used before stretching and strengthening exercises as directed by a physician, physical therapist, or athletic trainer.
Recovery and Outcomes
With early and appropriate surgical treatment, patients are typically able to return to their pre-injury level of competition.
Recovery generally requires approximately four to six months of formal rehabilitation following surgical repair.
Potential complications include:
- Prolonged healing if the injury is not treated appropriately or if the postoperative rehabilitation program is not followed
- Recurrence of symptoms if activity is resumed too soon
When to See Dr. Chudik
If you develop pain, swelling, weakness, or loss of function after an injury to the quadriceps tendon, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Chudik.
Call 630-324-0402, schedule online, or email contactus@chudikmd.com.