Quadriceps Tendon Rupture Treatment
The quadriceps are the group of muscles in the front of the thigh that pull the patella and tibia up when straightening the knee and leg. The quadriceps tendon attaches the quadriceps to the patella, which is attached to the tibia. While rare, quadriceps tendon injuries can be serious and need expert medical care. Our orthopedic specialists at DOCS Health offer quadriceps tendon rupture treatment at our Los Angeles medical center.
Causes and Symptoms of Quadriceps Tendon Tears
Quadricep tendon tear injuries usually occur when playing sports. Athletes who run or are exposed to direct impact or falls while running can sustain a quadriceps tendon rupture or tear. Certain medical conditions (RA, SLE, renal failure, etc.) and lifestyle factors (steroid use) can also impact the strength of the quadriceps tendon, putting it at higher risk for a knee injury. A quadriceps tendon tear can be partial or complete, resulting in the following symptoms:
- Popping sensation and severe pain at time of injury
- Swelling and bruising above the knee
- Difficulty or inability to straighten the knee
- An indent above the knee
- Cramping
- Difficulty walking – knee may give out
- Kneecap is lower or drooping
Depending on whether the quadriceps tendon tear is partial or complete, non-surgical or surgical treatment may be required. Some quadriceps tendon ruptures can be treated by wearing a brace to allow the tendon to heal, followed by physical therapy. For complete ruptures, the tendon needs to be reattached to the patella or kneecap with surgery. For the best success rate, this surgery should be performed as soon as possible after the injury.
If you have suffered a quadriceps tendon rupture, treatment is available at DOCS Health. Contact our orthopedic and sports injury medical team at our clinic in Los Angeles to schedule an exam and consultation.
Doctors who treat this condition
Unless otherwise indicated, the physician is a member of DOCS Health Medical Group and has medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both. Physicians denoted with an asterisk (*) are independent physicians who are not part of DOCS Health Medical Group, but do have medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both.