Patellar Tendon Rupture Treatment in Buffalo Grove, IL
Patellar Tendon Rupture
A patellar tendon rupture is a serious injury affecting the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This tendon works with the muscles in the front of your thigh to allow you to straighten your knee. A rupture, or tear, of this tendon often occurs from a forceful jump or a direct blow to the front of the knee. This can make it difficult or impossible to straighten your leg, and can significantly impact daily activities.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our highly experienced, board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic knee specialists can provide you with the relief you deserve from a patellar tendon rupture:
If you think you may have ruptured your patellar tendon, our specialists can provide the expert care you need. Don't wait to address your knee injury. Book an appointment with a Barrington Orthopedic Specialists physician. For urgent injuries, our Immediate Care Clinic in Schaumburg, IL, is available.
Patellar Tendon Rupture: Diagnosis & Treatment
Struggling with a patellar tendon rupture? Understanding your treatment options is the first step toward a full recovery. At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our board-certified sports medicine team is here to create a plan that gets you back to your life.
A patellar tendon rupture is a serious injury where the tendon connecting your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone tears. This can be a partial rupture, where the tendon is stretched or partly torn but remains in one piece, or a complete rupture, where the tendon tears into two separate pieces. A complete tear is a disabling injury that often requires surgery.
To accurately diagnose your injury, our specialists will perform a physical examination. You may have difficulty straightening your knee, and the kneecap might seem to have moved upward. We will likely order imaging tests, such as an MRI or ultrasound, to determine whether the tear is partial or complete.
Once we have a clear diagnosis, we'll create a personalized treatment plan based on the severity of the tear.
Orthopedic Knee Specialists at BOS
Meet the sports medicine and knee specialists who diagnose and treat patellar tendon tears, including surgical tendon repair for patients across the Barrington Orthopedic Specialists network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Patellar Tendon Rupture?+
Some of the most common causes include:
- Sudden Force: The tendon often tears when the knee is bent and the foot is planted, such as when landing from a jump or jumping up.
- Tendon Weakness: A weakened patellar tendon is more prone to tearing. This weakness can be caused by several factors.
- Patellar Tendinitis: This inflammation weakens the tendon and can cause small tears. It is common in people who run or jump, which is why it's sometimes called "jumper's knee." Corticosteroid injections are often avoided as a treatment for this condition, as they have been linked to increased tendon weakness and rupture risk.
Certain diseases can weaken the tendon by disrupting its blood supply. Chronic diseases which may weaken the tendon include:
- Chronic renal failure
- Hyperbetalipoproteinemia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Infection
- Metabolic disease
What Are The Symptoms of Patellar Tendon Rupture?+
When a patellar tendon tears there is often a tearing or popping sensation. Pain and swelling typically follow.
Additional symptoms include:
- An indentation at the bottom of your kneecap where the patellar tendon tore
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Your kneecap may move up into the thigh because it is no longer anchored to your shinbone
- You are unable to straighten your knee
- Difficulty walking due to the knee buckling or giving way
What Are the Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Patellar Tendon Tears?+
Many partial tears can heal without surgery. Treatment typically involves:
- Immobilization: Using a knee immobilizer or brace to keep your leg straight and allow the tendon to heal.
- Rest and Ice: Limiting weight-bearing activities and applying ice to manage pain and reduce swelling.
- Physical Therapy: Once the initial healing begins, a targeted exercise program will help restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
What Are the Surgical Treatment Options for Patellar Tendon Tears?+
A complete rupture almost always requires surgery to reattach the torn tendon to the kneecap. This procedure is essential to regain knee function. After surgery, you will need a period of immobilization followed by a comprehensive physical therapy program. Our dedicated team will guide you through every stage of your recovery, focusing on relieving pain, rebuilding strength, and restoring your knee's full function.