Patellar tendon rupture

Patellar Tendon Rupture

A patellar tendon rupture is a serious injury that typically requires immediate medical attention and intervention. This condition occurs when the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the tibia (shin bone) tears or ruptures.

File:Patellar tendon rupture.jpg

Patellar tendon rupture

Causes

Patellar tendon ruptures are often caused by a sudden, violent strain on the knee. This can occur during activities that involve a rapid acceleration or deceleration of the body, such as jumping or landing from a jump. Other factors that can contribute to a patellar tendon rupture include chronic diseases like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as certain medications, such as corticosteroids and fluoroquinolones.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of a patellar tendon rupture is a sudden and severe pain in the knee, often accompanied by a tearing or popping sensation. Other symptoms may include:

• Inability to straighten the knee or lift the foot
• Swelling and bruising around the knee
• A visible gap in the front of the knee where the tendon has ruptured
• Difficulty walking or inability to bear weight on the affected leg

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a patellar tendon rupture typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests. During the physical examination, the doctor will check for a gap in the tendon, assess the knee's range of motion, and may apply pressure to the knee to see if it can be straightened. Imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, can provide a detailed view of the knee and confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for a patellar tendon rupture usually involves surgery to reattach the tendon to the kneecap. This is typically followed by a period of physical therapy to restore strength and mobility to the knee. In some cases, nonsurgical treatment may be an option, but this is usually reserved for patients who have significant health risks or a low level of physical activity.

Prognosis

With prompt treatment and proper rehabilitation, most people can return to their previous level of activity within 6 to 9 months. However, some may continue to experience weakness and reduced function in the affected knee.

‎ ‎

---

Translate: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, தமிழ், తెలుగు, Urdu, ಕನ್ನಡ, Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, বাংলা
European español, Deutsch, français, Greek, português do Brasil, polski, română, русский, Nederlands, norsk, svenska, suomi, Italian
Middle Eastern & African عربى, Turkish, Persian, Hebrew, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Kiswahili,
Other Bulgarian, Hungarian, Czech, Swedish, മലയാളം, मराठी, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, ગુજરાતી, Portuguese, Ukrainian