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Association between patella spurs and quadriceps tendon ruptures
Prasad Ellanti1, Andrew Moriarity1, Nikita Wainberg1
1Department of Orthopaedics, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal
|August 12, 2015
Summary
Quadriceps tendon (QT) ruptures are often missed. This study found a significantly higher incidence of patella spurs in patients with QT ruptures, suggesting spurs may aid diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Quadriceps tendon (QT) ruptures are uncommon but significant injuries.
- Diagnosis of QT ruptures is frequently delayed or missed.
- A potential association between patella spurs and QT ruptures has been suggested.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between patella spurs and quadriceps tendon ruptures.
- To determine the incidence of patella spurs in patients with and without QT ruptures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 21 QT ruptures from 2008-2014 using the Hospital Inpatient Enquiry system.
- Analysis of knee radiographs from patients with QT ruptures and a control group of 200 patients without ruptures.
- Statistical analysis to compare the incidence of patella spurs between groups.
Main Results:
- Twenty-one QT ruptures were identified in 20 patients (mean age 60.9 years, 85% male).
- Patella spurs were present in 62% of patients with QT ruptures, significantly higher than the 19% incidence in the control group (P≤0.05).
Conclusions:
- A significantly higher incidence of patella spurs exists in patients with quadriceps tendon ruptures.
- The presence of a patella spur on knee radiographs warrants investigation for a potential quadriceps tendon rupture.
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