Related Experiment Videos
Lower Satisfaction and Inferior Outcomes Associated With Delayed Surgery for Chronic Quadriceps Tendon Ruptures: A
Matthew R Bryan1, Michael Mazzucco2, Arsen Omurzakov2
1Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Philadelphia Pennsylvania U.S.A.
Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation
|July 25, 2026
Summary
Surgical repair of chronic quadriceps tendon ruptures (QTRs) shows varied outcomes, with failure rates from 0-33%. Extensor lag is a common complication, highlighting the need for better evidence in QTR management.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Chronic quadriceps tendon ruptures (QTRs) present complex surgical challenges.
- Limited high-quality evidence exists for optimal repair and reconstruction techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature on surgical techniques for chronic QTRs in native knees.
- To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of various repair and reconstruction methods.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive search of EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases.
- Inclusion of Level IV or greater evidence studies on chronic QTR surgical intervention.
- Exclusion of case reports and QTRs associated with total knee arthroplasty.
Main Results:
- Ten studies (1981-2022) analyzed direct repair, lengthening, grafts, and mesh augmentations.
- Failure rates varied widely from 0% to 33%.
- Extensor lag was a frequent complication reported in 50% of included studies.
Conclusions:
- The surgical management of chronic QTRs lacks high-quality evidence and shows significant technique heterogeneity.
- Current surgical techniques are limited by short follow-up and inconsistent outcome reporting.