A quadriceps tendon tear is either a partial or a complete rupture of the quadriceps tendon. This tendon connects the quadriceps muscle group to the patella and is considered to be a significant injury. Surgery is often needed to repair this, once confirmed by one of our orthopedic surgeons.
The quadricep muscle is responsible for extending the knee and plays a crucial role in daily activities. A tear in the quadriceps tendon impacts the ability to use and stabilize the knee joint.
When the quadriceps tendon tears, several effects & symptoms can occur:
- Loss of Knee Extension: The primary function of the quadriceps muscle is to extend the knee. A torn quadriceps tendon can lead to an inability to fully extend the knee, resulting in difficulty walking & performing everyday activities.
- Weakness: A torn quadriceps tendon often leads to significant weakness in the quadriceps muscle group. This weakness can impair functional mobility and lead to muscle atrophy (wasting) if not addressed promptly.
- Instability: The quadriceps tendon contributes to the stability of the knee joint by transmitting forces from the muscles to the patella and the tibia. A tear can lead to a sensation of knee instability, making activities that require stability, such as walking and standing, challenging.
- Pain & Swelling: Pain and swelling are common immediate consequences of a quadriceps tendon tear.
- Range of Motion: The ability to bend the knee may also be compromised due to the disruption in the quadriceps-tendon-patella mechanism.
- Difficulty with Stairs & Rising from Seated Positions: Activities that require knee extension, such as ascending stairs or rising from a seated position, can be particularly challenging with a torn quadriceps tendon.
- Visible Deformity: In some cases of complete tears, a visible gap or depression may be noticeable above the patella where the tendon has separated.