ISOLATED RUPTURE OF THE PATELLAR TENDON IN ATHLETES

The purpose of this study was to review patellar tendon ruptures in at hletes treated with surgical repair. Six patellar tendon ruptures in f ive 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 throu gh patellar drill holes at an average of 2.5 days after injury. Person al interview, physical examination, roentgenographic evaluation, and i sokinetic strength testing were performed at an average of 6 years aft er surgery. At final followup, no patient had complaints referable to the patellar tendon repair; all were able to achieve their premorbid l evels of sports at an average of 18 months after injury. No patient th ought that the surgically repaired knee was unstable or activity-limit ing. 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 sy ndrome with an excellent result. No complications occurred; no other r eoperations were required. Complete disruption of the patellar tendon is an uncommon injury in athletic individuals without predisposing med ical conditions. After acute operative repair and aggressive rehabilit ation, an excellent and enduring functional outcome can be expected.