[Treatment and results following rupture of the quadriceps tendon]

Ruptures of the quadriceps tendon are rather uncommon and are usually due to minor trauma. From 1971 to 1986 we observed 13 spontaneous ruptures in contrast to a single case due to adequate trauma. The average age of the patients was 64.0 years. There is no alternative to surgical reconstruction of the ruptured or torn out quadriceps tendon. Tendon-repair with supportive wire-looping produces a good functional result. After immobilisation of the knee for five to six weeks intensive physiotherapy is required. The outcome of patients treated in this manner shows persisting slightly muscular atrophy of minor degree and limited knee-mobility with only a little all-day handicap.