Knee - Quadriceps Tendon Tear
Description
The quadriceps tendon attaches the patella (aka-kneecap) to the quadriceps muscle on the front of the thigh. It is responsible for transmitting force from the quadriceps muscle, resulting in the ability to extend the knee. A quadriceps tendon tear is a complete rupture of the tendon, resulting in a non-functional lower leg.
What are the causes?
Quadriceps tendon tears occur from excessive contraction of the quadriceps, resulting in an excessive force transmitted to the tendon. This can be from a fall, jumping or landing from a height.
What are the symptoms?
Quadriceps tendon tears cause immediate pain, swelling, deformity in the front of the leg and inability to bear weight. Patients usually report a “pop” and bruising occurs within the first day. Function is not restored with rest and walking is impossible without assistance.
How is it diagnosed?
Dr. Liu will perform a thorough history and physical exam with X-rays. On exam, swelling and loss of motion and strength is present. Patients cannot perform a straight leg raise because the muscle force cannot be transmitted to the lower leg. X-rays may show the patella (kneecap) lower than normal due to lack of tension from the quadriceps tendon. MRI is helpful to confirm the diagnosis and any other injury.
Non-operative
Unless other injuries are sustained at the time of quadriceps tendon tear that prohibit the patient from surgery, non-operative treatment is not a consideration.
Operative
Quadriceps tendon repair is performed through an incision in the front of the leg just above the knee. Several techniques are used to secure the tendon back to the patella using sutures, anchors and/or screws. Postoperative rehabilitation is at your surgeon’s discretion.
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Can I shower after surgery?
If you have a bulky dry dressing you can remove it on postop day #3; you may then shower allowing water to run over steri-strips or sutures; towel pat dry and keep clean; NO soaking or submerging operative body part. If you have a waterproof dressing, please leave it on until you follow up in the office. You can shower over the dressing, no soaking or submerging the shoulder
How long do I need to wear the compression stockings?
Dr. Liu wants you to keep the compression stockings on for 3 weeks. Compression stockings are the best way to help the swelling to go down after surgery.
Should I use ice or heat?
Ice can provide analgesic effects and control swelling for the first 3-5 days; after that we recommend ice after exercises or PT.
How do I use an ice machine or CPM?
if either device is part of your recovery, treat this as an assistance to your recovery. Use either as directed, allowing only the machine to move or do the work. Remember, you should not be doing the work or moving the operative body part on your own.
How do I decrease my pain after surgery?
You may take your pain medication as prescribed; if pain continues, you may add ibuprofen or naproxen in between pain medication doses: (8am pain med, 10am ibuprofen 600-800mg or naproxen 500mg, 12p pain med).
Who schedules my first post operative appointment?
You are responsible for scheduling this appointment. This can be done prior to your surgery or within 1-3 days following. Please call the office, at 702-740-5327, provide your date of surgery, and you will be provided your appointment time and date.
When can I drive?
This depends on your surgery. Please wait until your first post op visit to discuss with your provider.
When can I go swimming?
Please wait at least 4 weeks until you submerge your incision into baths or pools. When your incision is submerged, it can open up and increase risk of infection. We ask that you wait 4 weeks when the incision is healed to soak in tubs or pools.
When do I start Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapy will be discussed at your first postoperative visit 10-14 days after surgery.
I have questions that have not been answered.
Please re-read your postoperative instructions handout. If questions remain, please contact the surgery line that has been provided to you on your post surgical handout.