Quadriceps tendon rupture

The quadriceps tendon rupture is a tear of the tendon of the great stirrup ( rectus femoris), above most directly to his approach to the kneecap ( patella) or a few centimeters.

Causes

The tear of the quadriceps tendon is usually based on a surge trauma against resistance or a strong tension in flexion of the knee joint. It mainly affects elderly patients with degenerative ( hyaline degeneration) changes in the tendon. Mitverursachend are occasionally metabolic and circulatory disorders, repetitive " microtrauma " and occasionally - repeated injections into the tendon.

Diagnostics

The typical localized pain, inability to straighten the knee against resistance, as well as the most well- palpable gap in the tendon make the injury usually already clinically clearly identifiable. In cases of doubt, if for example the Untersuchbarkeit of the knee is limited by severe swelling and pain, an ultrasound or a magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI or magnetic resonance imaging ) can provide clarity. A palpable gap in the tendon with intact stretchability indicates an incomplete rupture, which often does not have to be treated surgically.

Therapy

The treatment of complete rupture of the tendon suture in the rule. Here, the seams are usually because the crack is often right on the kneecap or just above approach, led by applied in the patellar drill holes. The treatment consists of the primary immobilization of the knee joint in plaster or now more frequently in an orthosis. With the latter can be released after four to six weeks, the flexion of the knee joint step by step in a defined extent. An intensive physiotherapeutic exercises adjoins the release of the diffraction after six to ten weeks, and on the other the promotion of mobility in the knee joint serves the strengthening of the now atrophied thigh muscles.

Forecast

With consistently performed primary and post-treatment the prognosis is favorable, mostly, the complete restoration of the function of the extensor mechanism can be achieved. Due to early release of diffraction, but also by post-operative wound infections, the result can be compromised. Depending on the situation, however, come before re- rupture of the tendon especially in degenerative pre-damaged patients.

Further image examples

Partial tear of the tendon, which is visible distended in the X-ray image (the image bleeds )

Tear of the tendon at predamage with tendon calcifications, which are now pulled up