Patellar Tendon Tear & Quadriceps Tendon Tear

Central to the movement of your knee, the patellar tendon and the quadriceps tendon allow the knee to straighten. The quadriceps tendon attaches the quadriceps muscles to the knee cap, or patella, and the patellar tendon attaches the patella to the shin bone, or tibia. As a soft tissue, a forceful contraction exceeding the capacity of the tendon or an impact from falling on one’s kneecap can cause a partial or complete tear, also known as a rupture, in either of these tendons. A quadriceps tendon, however, generally tears as a result of a sports injury, joint weakness or an underlying chronic knee condition. A complete tendon tear is associated with pre-existing tendon degeneration, or tendinosis. 

Depending on the severity of the tear, a patient could experience pain around the knee cap with a popping sound, a palpable gap at the tendon site, swelling, difficulty extending the knee, and walking. If leg extension, though hampered, is still possible, non-surgical treatments of partial tears can be employed. Treatments include rest, modification of activities, ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), bracing, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections. In cases of complete ruptures, surgical treatment is necessary to properly address and secure the tendon, allowing patients to regain the ability to extend the leg and support themselves when walking.