Etiology, Diagnosis and Treatment of Tendinous Knee Extensor Mechanism Injuries

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Research

Background:

• Quadriceps and patella tendon ruptures are uncommon, often linked to chronic degeneration and overuse rather than acute trauma.
• These injuries typically result from eccentric quadriceps contraction, indicating underlying tendon pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathophysiology, diagnostic principles, and treatment protocols for quadriceps and patella tendon ruptures.
• To provide an overview based on current literature and institutional experience.

Main Methods:

• A non-systematic literature review was performed.
• Findings were correlated with practices at a level 1 trauma center.

Main Results:

• Risk factors include age, repetitive micro-trauma, genetics, systemic diseases, and certain medications.
• Diagnosis relies on history, clinical exam, and imaging (ultrasound, MRI).
• Delayed surgical repair (over 3 weeks) significantly worsens outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Acute ruptures treated surgically show good results; longitudinal transpatellar drill holes are preferred.
• Chronic ruptures may require tendon augmentation (auto- or allograft).
• A recommended postoperative protocol involves 6 weeks of protected weight-bearing and limited passive mobilization using a removable splint.