PATELLAR / QUADRICEPS TENDON RUPTURE

Question 1

Mechanism

Answer 1

Forcefull quadriceps contraction with knee flexed
OR
Falling on flexed knee

Question 2

Epidemiology of PTR vs. QTR

Answer 2

PTR more common in < 40 yrs
QTR more common in > 40 yrs

Question 3

Clinical Features

Answer 3

Severe pain
Diffuse swelling
Patellar / Quadriceps Tendon Gap
Hypermobile patella
High Riding Patella
CHECK EXTENSOR MECHANISM: Unable to actively extend knee

Question 4

XRAY Findings

Answer 4

Knee Series: AP / Lat / Skyline
Usually normal
May show a high riding patella on lateral view
+/- avulsion at the tibial tubercle

Question 5

ED Management

Answer 5

Referal to ortho in the ED for operative management