[Tendon rupture of the extensor muscles of the knee]

Five cases of rupture of the quadriceps tendon and two cases of rupture of the patellar ligament form the authors' own patient material (1975-1984) are reviewed. It seems we must differentiate between rupture of the quadriceps tendon (namely, rupture in an elderly patient with degeneratively changed tendon in trivial traumas) on the one hand, and rupture of the patellar ligament (rupture in the young patient with considerable trauma, as in sports) and hence a more or less purely traumatically caused rupture, on the other. Except for one case of spontaneous rupture associated with cortison treatment for several years, the four remaining quadriceps tendon ruptures were based on the same accident mechanism, the average age of these patients being 65 years: on trying to stabilize themselves while stumbling, the quadriceps muscle was suddenly tensed. In both cases of rupture of the patellar tendon, rupture occurred while jumping off a springboard during sports activities. The authors advocate protecting the tendon suture in quadriceps tendon rupture via a walking cast of the femur; in rupture of the patellar ligament, it is recommended to effect wire cerclage between patella and tuberositas tibiae. In each case, functional exercise should be initiated as early as possible.