Quadriceps tendon repair restores the connection between the quadriceps muscles and the patella (kneecap) after a complete tendon rupture.
Dr. Chudik performs the repair through a limited incision over the kneecap. The goal is to reattach the torn quadriceps tendon to the patella and restore normal knee mechanics.
What Is Minimal Incision Quadriceps Tendon Repair?
The quadriceps muscles attach to the patella through the quadriceps tendon. The quadriceps muscles help straighten the knee and control the knee during bending and squatting.
When the quadriceps tendon completely ruptures, the connection between the quadriceps muscles and patella is lost. As a result, the patient may be unable to fully straighten the knee or walk normally without the knee giving way.
Quadriceps tendon ruptures are usually caused by a sudden episode of stressful overactivity, such as jumping, hurdling, or starting a sprint.
Repairing the tendon back to the patella is recommended in almost all circumstances because the quadriceps muscles are needed for normal walking and other daily activities.
Who Is a Candidate?
Quadriceps tendon repair is generally recommended for patients with a complete quadriceps tendon rupture that causes loss of normal quadriceps function.
Contraindications include:
- Inability or unwillingness to complete the postoperative rehabilitation program
- Current or previous knee infection, although this is not an absolute contraindication
- Poor general health that does not allow the patient to safely undergo surgery
How the Procedure Is Performed
The procedure is performed as outpatient surgery, allowing the patient to go home the same day. General anesthesia and a femoral nerve block may be used.
Dr. Chudik identifies the torn end of the quadriceps tendon through a limited incision just over the kneecap.
Sutures are passed through the tendon and then through three small tunnels in the patella. The sutures are tied on the opposite side of the kneecap to hold the tendon securely in place.
The knee is then protected in a brace locked in full extension while the repair heals.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Following surgery:
- A hinged knee brace is worn for six weeks and remains locked straight during the first six weeks
- The wound should be kept clean and dry for the first 10 to 14 days
- Light showering is allowed after two weeks, but the wound should not be submerged in water for three weeks
- Driving may resume after approximately six to eight weeks when the right leg is involved and strength and motion have improved
- Return to school or sedentary work may occur in less than one week if the leg can be elevated
- Physical therapy to restore motion, strength, and balance may continue for four to six months
Patients may walk immediately with the knee locked straight in the brace. Regular walking and daily activities may resume once the brace is opened to allow motion at approximately six weeks.
Return to running may occur at about three months after surgery. Return to sports may occur at approximately four to six months depending on the level of activity.
Risks and Outcomes
Potential surgical risks and complications include:
- Postoperative infection
- Swelling or continued knee pain
- Failure of the repair
- Knee stiffness or loss of motion
- Muscle weakness
- Blood clot in the veins of the calf or thigh that may travel to the lungs
The goal of surgery is to repair the torn quadriceps tendon back to the patella and restore normal knee mechanics.
Why Dr. Chudik for Minimal Incision Quadriceps Tendon Repair
Dr. Chudik performs quadriceps tendon repair through a limited incision over the kneecap.
He reattaches the torn tendon to the patella using sutures passed through three small tunnels in the kneecap, restoring the connection between the quadriceps muscles and patella so normal knee mechanics can be regained.