The tendons throughout the body are strong fibrous tissue cords that provide muscle-to-bone connections. The patellar tendon anchors the patella (kneecap) to the tibial tubercle (a bony ridge at the top of the shin bone). However, the patellar tendon name can be misleading because it is actually a ligament that connects two bones. A partial or complete patellar tendon tear can occur from a sports-related injury, patella dislocation, direct trauma to the knee, or degenerative joint condition. While small patellar tendon tears can make activities of daily living difficult, large tendon tears or ruptures can be disabling making these activities impossible to perform. Dr. Frank McCormick, orthopedic knee specialist serving Orlando, Palm Beach County, and surrounding Florida communities, has the knowledge and understanding, as well as substantial experience, in treating patients with a patellar tendon injury.
Yes, damage to the patellar tendon can occur in the following ways:
Pain below the kneecap is typically one of the first indicators of a patellar tendon injury. Some other common symptoms of a patellar tendon injury include:
A medical history is obtained by Dr. McCormick with a detailed focus on any previous knee injuries, a history of patellar tendinitis, underlying health conditions, and current symptoms. This is followed by a thorough physical examination to evaluate knee flexion and knee extension. Diagnostic imaging studies, such as x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be requested to confirm a patellar tendon injury and identify any damage to the other soft-tissue structures within the knee joint.
Conservative therapies may be sufficient for patients with a stable knee joint after a mild patellar tendon injury. Joint immobilization with a knee brace or other device is important for protecting and stabilizing the knee joint. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can be taken for pain management. A physical therapy program focused on restoring knee function is strongly encouraged when appropriate.
Surgical reconstruction of the patellar tendon is the most successful treatment measure for a patellar tendon injury. The patellar tendon is repaired by excising the damaged tendon fragments and then reattaching the tendon back to the bone. On occasion, the tendon may be retracted if a significant amount of time has passed between the injury and surgical repair. These particular instances necessitate a tendon graft, from either the patient (autograft) or donor tissue (allograft), to lengthen or replace the retracted tendon. The tendon graft is fastened to the top of the patella with special surgical anchors that are secured within the bone.
For more information on patellar tendon injuries, or the excellent treatment options available, please contact the office of Frank McCormick, MD, orthopedic knee specialist serving Orlando, Palm Beach County, and surrounding Florida communities.
