Quadriceps tendon rupture

Case contributed by Henry Knipe
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

One week post fall while walking.

Patient Data

Age: 80 years
Gender: Male
mri

Extensive subcutaneous edema around the knee. Small knee joint effusion.

Complete distal quadriceps tendon rupture with the gap on a background of severe tendinopathy. Mild muscle belly edema within the distal quadriceps group. Prepatellar subcutaneous fluid in continuation with the small joint effusion via the tendon gap.

Patellar tendon is intact but redundant. Patella is low-lying.

Case Discussion

Typical MRI findings of quadriceps tendon rupture. The history of fall is typical with knee extension occurring as an attempt to break the fall, resulting in overload and rupture of the tendon.

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