Every time you straighten your leg, you are using your quadriceps tendon. This strong and vital tendon attaches the four quadriceps muscles to the patella, contracting to straighten the leg and knee. A quadriceps tendon tear is not common, but when it occurs, it can cause a debilitating injury that may require surgery. Robotic Joint Center has a top knee specialist, Dr. Fredrick Buechel, who can perform quadriceps tendon tear repair surgery at our NYC medical center.

The quadriceps tendon is required for normal knee joint function. The quadriceps muscles are connected to the kneecap with the quadriceps tendon. If the tendon tears completely, the quadriceps are no longer attached to the kneecap or lower leg. Partial tears can occur, which can be treated with non-invasive therapies to allow the tendon to repair and rejuvenate. Complete quadriceps tendon tears require repair surgery to reattach the tendon fibers to the patella.

Quadriceps Tendon Rupture Symptoms

Tearing or rupturing the quadriceps tendon is rare among young, healthy athletes. This injury is more common among older individuals or those with underlying health conditions or injuries that impact the strength of the quadriceps tendon. Tendonitis, chronic disease and previous injuries can all cause weakness in the quadriceps tendon, increasing the risk of a complete rupture or tear. Symptoms of a quadriceps tendon tear include:

• Popping sensation at the top of the knee
• Pain and swelling
• Inability to straighten leg
• Indentation above the knee
• Difficulty walking – knee buckling
• Kneecap drooping

Any quadriceps tendon tear needs treatment, possibly surgery. If you have symptoms of a quadriceps tendon tear, contact us at Robotic Joint Center. We can schedule an exam and consultation with Dr. Buechel, who is a renowned knee specialist. Our medical center offers quadriceps tendon tear treatment and repair surgery to help you recover from your injury.