Quadriceps Tendon Repair

What is a quadriceps tendon rupture?

This rare and serious injury occurs when the tendon that attaches the quadriceps muscle to the patella (kneecap) tears, or ruptures. The quadriceps is a group of four muscles, found on the front of your thigh. They are held in place on the bone with a tendon. The quadriceps tendon allows the leg to straighten and bend. If the quadriceps tendon tears, walking can be very difficult. Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu, Orthopedic knee surgeon, treats patients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York City, and the surrounding New York boroughs who are experiencing pain associated with a quadriceps tendon rupture.

Can quadriceps tendon ruptures be treated non-operatively?

In certain cases, the quadriceps tendon is only partially ruptured and can be treated non-operatively. Dr. Nwachukwu will carefully review with you your history, clinical examination, and imaging. If it is determined that you are a good candidate for non-operative treatment, Dr. Nwachukwu will place you in a locked knee brace with full weight-bearing as tolerated (i.e. you do not need crutches). As the tendon starts to heal the knee brace will be slowly unlocked and you will participate in progressively more rigorous physical therapy programs. Patients who have been diagnosed with a quadriceps tendon rupture but are unsure if they need surgery or can be treated non-operatively should contact Dr. Nwachukwu for further management.

How is a quadriceps tendon rupture treated surgically?

If Dr. Nwachukwu determines that you are a surgical candidate, he will perform a quadriceps tendon repair as an outpatient – meaning that you would go home the same day. Dr. Nwachukwu uses a minimally invasive approach with a small incision on top of the patella (kneecap) at the area of the tear. Depending on how old your tear is Dr. Nwachukwu will commonly use suture anchors to secure the torn tendon back down to the knee kneecap. Dr. Nwachukwu practices cutting-edge medicine and prefers this technique as it avoids drilling holes in the bones. Additionally, the scientific evidence supports this as one of the strongest ways to repair the tendon, with the best outcomes.

How long is the recovery after quadriceps tendon repair surgery?

Dr. Nwachukwu uses a functional rehabilitation program that allows patients to begin bearing weight immediately after the surgery. It takes approximately 6 weeks for the tendon to heal down to the bone; therefore, it is important to protect the repair during this time. Dr. Nwachukwu will place you in a knee brace for the first 6 weeks and will gradually increase your knee range of motion during that time. Most patients are able to return to sporting activities 3-4 months after surgery.

For more information on quadriceps tendon repair surgery of the knee, or to talk about the treatment options available for your knee pain, please contact the office of Benedict Nwachukwu, MD, orthopedic knee surgeon specialist serving Manhattan, New York City and surrounding New York boroughs.