Patellar tendon ruptures

Background. Isolated rupture of the patellar tendon is a rare injury. Often occurring during a fall in 20- and 30-year olds, patients may have a preex isting medical condition leg, history of steroid use) or a history of repet itive microtrauma to the knee. A high-riding, patella on physical examinati on and radiographs is pathognomonic. Methods. Immediate orthopaedic referral for surgical repair is necessary to reestablish knee extension. Delay in diagnosis can make surgical treatment more difficult. Current methods of postoperative rehabilitation are evolvi ng. Results. Evaluative studies based on rating scales show satisfactory clinic al and functional results after surgery. However, time lost from work and r ecreation may be protracted, and quadriceps atrophy is often evident. Conclusions. Ruptures of the patellar tendon should be diagnosed acutely an d immediately referred to an orthopaedic surgeon. The impact of the injury to the patient may be longstanding even after operative treatment. Contempo rary surgical and rehabilitative techniques give the best opportunity for r estoration of functional activity.