Isolated rupture of the patellar tendon in athletes

The purpose of this study was to review patellar tendon ruptures in athletes treated with surgical repair. Six patellar tendon ruptures in five athletic patients were identified at our institution between 1980 and 1990. All patients had operative debridement and primary repair of the ruptured patellar tendon using nonabsorbable sutures passed through patellar drill holes at an average of 2.5 days after injury. Personal interview, physical examination, roentgenographic evaluation, and isokinetic strength testing were performed at an average of 6 years after surgery. At final followup, no patient had complaints referable to the patellar tendon repair; all were able to achieve their premorbid levels of sports at an average of 18 months after injury. No patient thought that the surgically repaired knee was unstable or activity-limiting. All patients demonstrated full range of motion and strength equal to or greater than that of the noninjured side. One patient required an arthroscopic lateral release for lateral patellar facet pressure syndrome with an excellent result. No complications occurred; no other reoperations were required. Complete disruption of the patellar tendon is an uncommon injury in athletic individuals without predisposing medical conditions. After acute operative repair and aggressive rehabilitation, an excellent and enduring functional outcome can be expected.