Tendon lengthening repair and early mobilization treatment of neglected bilateral simultaneous traumatic rupture of the quadriceps tendon

Bilateral simultaneous traumatic rupture of the quadriceps tendon is a rare injury that is most frequently seen in elderly patients with predisposing diseases such as gout, hyperparathyroidism and diabetes. Delay in diagnosis is not uncommon. One of the main problems in treatment is loss of motion, especially flexion, after surgical repair. We report a case that was diagno sed 5 months after the trauma and was treated by Scuderi's tendon lengtheni ng technique. Range-of-motion exercises were started early without using th e generally recommended 4-6 weeks of immobilization in plaster cylinder or knee brace. Five years of follow-up showed full range of motion in both kne es with sound tendons. Stable fixation makes starting early motion and acce lerated rehabilitation feasible and thus the most common complication, loss of motion, is prevented.