Quadriceps Tendon Injuries

Abstract

Educational Objectives 1. Explain the etiology, epidemiology and clinical presentation of quadriceps tendon injuries. 2. Describe the role of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of quadriceps tendon ruptures. 3. Discuss the surgical techniques for management of acute and chronic quadriceps tendon ruptures. 4. Restate the complications and outcomes following repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures.

I-test: a gymnast with anterior knee pain: not a typical case of jumper's knee

“…While sometimes used synonymously for patellar tendinopathy alone, it is actually a tendinopathy affecting the distal insertion of the quadriceps tendon (25% of cases) or the patellar tendon 1 2. Jumper's knee is commonly seen in sports involving repetitive jumping, such as basketball and volleyball.…”

“…Quadriceps tendon blood supply is provided by three vascular arcades, resulting in a relatively hypovascular zone 1–2 cm superior to the patella 2. Vascularisation of the patellar tendon is mainly provided by Hoffa's fat pad, directly posterior to the tendon.…”

“…In quadriceps tendinopathy, pain is usually reported at the proximal pole of the patella, whereas in patellar tendinopathy, pain is localised at the distal pole 2. Pain increases with jumping, sprinting and landing.…”

“…This results in gradually declining function and increasing disabilities. Physical examination shows tenderness upon palpation at the insertion of the tendon 2. Knee extension against resistance may be painful 2.…”

“…Physical examination shows tenderness upon palpation at the insertion of the tendon 2. Knee extension against resistance may be painful 2. Blazina et al 7 developed a four-stage classification of symptoms; stage 4 represents a complete tendon rupture.…”