INTRODUCTION​

• A patella tendon rupture is an injury to the patella tendon, leading to tearing of the tendon that connects your knee cap (patella) to the shinbone

• The patella tendon is a part of the extensor mechanism of the knee, allowing you to straighten your knee

• There are two broad types of tears, partial thickness tears and full thickness (complete) tears

• Usually occurs in males in their 20s or 30s

CAUSES 

• Patella tendon ruptures usually are traumatic and occur due to tension overload of the tendon, with the knee usually bent

• The injury often occurs when someone lands awkwardly from a jump or misses a step while walking

• Risk factors include patellar tendinopathy, systemic issues like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, and previous steroid injection

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Patella tendon ruptures are associated with immediate pain and swelling

• Patients oftentimes hear or feel a “pop” in their knee

• Inability to straighten the knee

TREATMENT​​

• Partial thickness tears that don't affect your ability to straighten the knee can often be managed without surgery

• Non-surgical management consists of either cast or knee brace locked in extension with protected weight bearing. This is followed by progressive bending of the knee under physical therapy guidance

• Full thickness (complete) tears cause disruption of the extensor mechanism and prevent straightening of the knee. These tears therefore usually require surgery

• Surgery consists of repair of the tendon back to the kneecap usually with sutures or suture anchors

• In chronic cases, tissue graft may be used to augment the repair

​