Treatment for Patellar Tendon Ruptures - Patellar Tendon Tears

Though severe, patellar tendon ruptures - also called patellar tendon tears - are relatively common. Common accidents like slips and falls are often the cause of patellar tendon ruptures, and usually lead to an inability to fully extend the knee. Other symptoms of a patellar tendon rupture/tear include knee instability, knee weakness, and inflammation of the surrounding knee area.

The job of the patella tendon is to connect the kneecap to the shinbone, allowing the muscles of the knee to extend for the purposes of running, walking, kicking, jumping, and the like. When an individual experiences a tear of the patellar tendon, he or she typically describes feeling a "pop," followed by the inability to fully straighten the knee or put weight on it. After a patellar tendon injury, immediate stabilizing and bracing is recommended until an orthopedic specialist can assess the injury.

Because patellar tendon ruptures/tears are serious injuries, orthopedic surgery is often a typical course of treatment recommended. The recovery period for a patellar tendon surgery is somewhat extensive, and requires a good deal of physical therapy to restore strength, stability, and range of motion to the affected knee. In other cases, patellar tendon ruptures may be treated with nonsurgical methods.

Our team of orthopedic specialists at Encino Orthopedics will evaluate your injury and provide a customized treatment plan based on the extent of your injury.