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  • Emma B

Patella Tendon Rupture: What You Need to Know

The patella, or kneecap, is a small bone that sits in front of the knee joint. The patella tendon is a thick band of tissue that connects the patella to the shinbone (tibia). A patella tendon rupture is a complete or partial tear of this tendon.

Patella tendon rupture is a serious injury that can cause severe pain and disability. If you suspect that you or someone you know has rupture of the patella tendon, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.



What is the anatomy like?


The patella, also known as the kneecap, is a small triangular bone that sits at the front of the knee joint. It plays an important role in knee function and is essential for leg movement. The patella is connected to the femur (thighbone) by the quadricep tendon and the tibia (shinbone) by the patellar tendon. These ligaments allow the patella to move up and down as the knee bends and straightens.


The patella is coated with a layer of smooth cartilage that allows it to glide easily against the femur. This cartilage helps to protect the knee joint and allows for smooth movement. The patella is also surrounded by a small sac of fluid called the bursa. This fluid helps to reduce friction between the patella and the femur.


How can this happen?


Patella tendon rupture is a serious injury that can occur when the patella tendon is overused. The patella tendon is the tendon that connects the knee cap to the shin bone. It is a very strong tendon, but it can be damaged if it is overused.


Patella tendon rupture usually occurs in athletes who participate in sports that involve a lot of jumping, such as basketball or volleyball. It can also occur in people who have jobs that require them to do a lot of kneeling, such as carpet cleaners or plumbers. Typically the rupture occurs during the jumping movement. The impact and tired muscles can not withstand the forces through the knee, causing the rupture to occur. This is commonly followed by a 'popping' sound.

A direct impact can also cause this injury. Most commonly falling from a height and landing awkwardly, or a direct blow from another outside source, like a hard object or a person maybe going in for a tackle.


Patella tendon rupture is a very painful injury. It can make it difficult to walk or even stand. If you think you may have ruptured your patella tendon, it is important to see a doctor right away.


What are the symptoms?


A patella rupture is a serious injury that can cause a lot of pain and swelling. It is important to seek medical attention right away if you think you may have a patella rupture.

Some common symptoms of a patella rupture include:

- severe pain in the knee

- swelling in the knee

- bruising in the knee

- an inability to straighten the leg

- an inability to put weight on the leg


If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. A patella rupture can be a very serious injury, and it is important to get it treated as soon as possible.


How to get a diagnosis


A patella tendon rupture is a serious injury that can cause significant pain and disability. If you suspect that you or someone you know has suffered a patella tendon rupture, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

There are several ways to diagnose a patella tendon rupture. The most common is through a physical examination. Your doctor will look for signs of tenderness, swelling, and bruising around the knee. They will also ask you about your symptoms and how the injury occurred.


Imaging tests, such as an MRI or ultrasound, can also be used to diagnose a patella tendon rupture. These tests can provide more information about the extent of the injury.

If you have suffered a patella tendon rupture, it is important to seek medical attention right away.



Non-operative treatment


Patella tendon ruptures are uncommon but serious injuries that can occur in both young and older patients.

Non-operative treatment options for patella tendon ruptures include the use of a brace or splint to immobilize the knee, physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee, and the use of crutches to keep weight off the knee. These methods may not be as effective as surgery, but they can still help patients recover from a patella tendon rupture.


Operative treatment


A patella tendon rupture is a serious injury that can occur in the knee. If the patella tendon is ruptured, it can no longer provide the stability and support that the knee needs. This can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.

Surgical repair is the only way to fix a full patella tendon rupture. The surgery involves reattaching the tendon to the patella. This can be done through an open incision or by using arthroscopic surgery.

Recovery from a patella tendon rupture can take several months. Physical therapy will be necessary to regain strength and range of motion in the knee. Most patients will be able to return to their previous level of activity after a successful surgery.


Patella tendon rupture is a serious injury that can cause severe pain and disability. If you suspect that you have ruptured your patella tendon, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Surgery is the only effective treatment for this condition, and the sooner it is performed, the better the chances for a successful recovery.

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