Quadriceps Tendon Tear or Disruption With Rehab
A quadriceps tendon tear or disruption is a partial or complete tear of the tendon between the quadriceps muscles and the kneecap (patella). Tendons connect muscles to bone. The quadriceps muscles are located on the front of the thigh and are primarily used in straightening the knee. With a partial tear, the tendon is overstretched, and some of the fibers are frayed. With a complete tear, the quadriceps muscle is detached from the kneecap. This is very rare.
CAUSES
This condition can be caused by trauma, such as:
• A deep cut on your thigh that injures the tendon.
• Falling on your knee, which may result in breaking your patella.
The condition can also occur if you land from a jump flat on your foot with …show more content…
These may include:
○ X-rays to check for a bone injury, such as a fracture.
○ Ultrasound or MRI to look at the muscles and tendons around your knee.
TREATMENT
This condition may be treated with:
• Medicines to help reduce pain and inflammation.
• RICE therapy. This includes resting, icing, applying compression, and elevating the injured area.
• A knee brace (immobilizer) to keep the knee straight while the tendon heals. Typically, the brace will be worn for about 6 weeks.
• Crutches to keep weight off your injured leg.
• Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility.
If the injury involves a complete tear of the tendon, surgery is usually needed.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
RICE Therapy
• Rest the injured leg.
• If directed, put ice on the injured area:
○ Put ice in a plastic bag.
○ Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
○ Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• Apply a compression bandage to the area as told by your health care provider.
• Raise (elevate) the injured area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.
If You Have a Knee
A quadriceps tendon tear or disruption is a partial or complete tear of the tendon between the quadriceps muscles and the kneecap (patella). Tendons connect muscles to bone. The quadriceps muscles are located on the front of the thigh and are primarily used in straightening the knee. With a partial tear, the tendon is overstretched, and some of the fibers are frayed. With a complete tear, the quadriceps muscle is detached from the kneecap. This is very rare.
CAUSES
This condition can be caused by trauma, such as:
• A deep cut on your thigh that injures the tendon.
• Falling on your knee, which may result in breaking your patella.
The condition can also occur if you land from a jump flat on your foot with …show more content…
These may include:
○ X-rays to check for a bone injury, such as a fracture.
○ Ultrasound or MRI to look at the muscles and tendons around your knee.
TREATMENT
This condition may be treated with:
• Medicines to help reduce pain and inflammation.
• RICE therapy. This includes resting, icing, applying compression, and elevating the injured area.
• A knee brace (immobilizer) to keep the knee straight while the tendon heals. Typically, the brace will be worn for about 6 weeks.
• Crutches to keep weight off your injured leg.
• Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility.
If the injury involves a complete tear of the tendon, surgery is usually needed.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
RICE Therapy
• Rest the injured leg.
• If directed, put ice on the injured area:
○ Put ice in a plastic bag.
○ Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
○ Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• Apply a compression bandage to the area as told by your health care provider.
• Raise (elevate) the injured area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.
If You Have a Knee