Patella Tendon Injury

What is a patella tendon injury?

The patella tendon connects the patella to the tibia. This connection allows the muscles at the front of the thigh (quadriceps) to straighten the knee. If the tendon ruptures, there will be an inability to straighten the knee.

These injuries can occur if the patella tendon is abnormally weak with patients who have pre-existing inflammation of the tendon (patella tendonitis) or who are on steroids (corticosteroids or anabolic steroids).

What are the symptoms of a patella tendon injury?

A patella tendon rupture will cause pain and swelling of the knee joint. There will be associated bruising around the soft tissues surrounding the knee. A complete patella tendon rupture will lead to inability to straighten or extend the knee.

How do you treat a patella tendon injury?

Partial injuries to the patella tendon can sometimes be treated with bracing. However, partial injuries are infrequent.

A complete patella tendon rupture requires a tendon repair to restore the ability to straighten the knee.

What does surgery for a patella tendon rupture involve?

An incision is made over the patella tendon at the front of the knee. Sutures are used to stitch the torn patella tendon and attach it back to the patella using bony anchors. Occasionally, if the quality of the patella tendon is poor, a hamstring graft may be used to augment the repair.

What is the recovery following surgery for a patella tendon rupture?

A hinged brace is applied after surgery. This is usually held with the knee locked in full extension for 2 weeks to allow the wounds to heal. You will commence weight bearing the day after surgery, with the knee fully straight in the brace. Following this, the brace is unlocked and the range of motion gradually increased in 2-week intervals. You will be referred to a physiotherapist to help you regain your range of motion and strengthen your muscles.

The wounds from surgery take 2 weeks to heal. The patella tendon itself will take a minimum of 12 weeks to heal. The recovery period, including outpatient rehabilitation, can take up to 4-6 months.