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Published on: March 19, 2018
Histologic analysis of ruptured quadriceps tendons
Per David Trobisch1, Matthias Bauman, Kuno Weise
1BG-Traumacenter, Eberhard-Karls University Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstr 95, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany. pertrobisch@gmail.com
Summary
Quadriceps tendon ruptures are uncommon, often affecting older men. While degeneration is common, this study found ruptures can occur even without significant tendon degeneration, particularly in younger individuals.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Musculoskeletal research
- Sports medicine
Background:
- Quadriceps tendon ruptures are infrequent injuries.
- Degenerative changes are often considered a prerequisite for rupture.
- Demographic and histological data on these ruptures are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of quadriceps tendon ruptures.
- To determine the prevalence of degenerative changes in ruptured quadriceps tendons.
- To explore the relationship between age and tendon degeneration in rupture cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 45 quadriceps tendon ruptures in 42 patients.
- Histological analysis of tissue samples from 22 rupture sites.
- Correlation of findings with patient age and sex.
Main Results:
- Ruptures predominantly occurred in the sixth and seventh decades of life.
- Men were affected six times more frequently than women.
- Degenerative changes were present in 64% of analyzed samples, with a higher ratio in older patients.
Conclusions:
- Quadriceps tendon rupture can occur without pathological degeneration, especially in younger patients.
- Age-related degeneration plays a role, but is not the sole factor in rupture.
- These findings challenge the universal assumption of degeneration as a precondition.
