Presentation
Fell 1 week ago. Instant pain and swelling with inability to extend the knee.
Patient Data
Age: 75 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Quadriceps tendon rupture
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Complete disruption to the quadriceps tendon with retraction distally and a large gap filled with fluid. Marked edema in vastus lateralis muscle belly.
Case Discussion
Complete quadriceps tendon rupture is rare and usually occurs in older patients. Quadriceps is the major knee extensor such that rupture causes severe disability. On that basis, treatment is usually surgical. The tears can occur either at the insertion onto the upper pole of the patella or more proximally as in this case. Given that the tendon is made up of several components (based on the muscle bundle contributing to the quadriceps - i.e. 4 in number), tears can also be partial.
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