A patellar tendon tear is a serious knee injury that can cause significant pain and instability. The patellar tendon attaches the kneecap to the shin bone and plays a crucial role in straightening the leg.
Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, specializes in diagnosing and treating patellar tendon injuries in Austin, Texas. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation!
“Dr. Szerlip was very personable, knowledgeable, and took time for all my questions. He gave great explanations of my problem and potential solutions. I have full confidence in his recommendations for treatment and therapy.” — Pam G.
The patellar tendon is a thick band of tissue that connects the bottom of the kneecap (patella) to the shin bone (tibia). This tendon works with the quadriceps muscle and quadriceps tendon to extend the knee. A patellar tendon tear occurs when this structure is partially or completely ruptured, leading to weakness and difficulty in straightening the leg.
These injuries are often the result of trauma, sudden movements, or chronic wear and tear. Athletes and active individuals are at a higher risk, but anyone can experience a patellar tendon injury under the right circumstances.
Patellar tendons can tear to different degrees.
A partial patellar tendon tear occurs when only a portion of the tendon is damaged. Some fibers remain intact, allowing limited movement and function. This type of tear often leads to knee pain, swelling, and weakness but does not always require surgery.
A complete patellar tendon tear, or complete tendon rupture, means the tendon has fully separated from the kneecap or shin bone. In these cases, the quadriceps can no longer straighten the knee, and surgery is typically required to restore function.
Recognizing patellar tendon tear symptoms early is crucial for proper treatment. Common signs include:
If you experience these symptoms, seeking immediate medical attention is essential for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
Certain factors increase the likelihood of experiencing a patellar tendon rupture:
While active individuals are at higher risk, anyone can sustain an acute patellar tendon tear due to sudden trauma or excessive force.
A patellar tendon tear is typically diagnosed through a combination of:
Dr. Szerlip uses advanced diagnostic techniques to assess the severity of patellar tendon injuries and determine the best course of treatment.
Treatment for a patella tear depends on the severity of the tear.
For a partial patellar tendon tear, conservative approaches may be effective:
A severe patellar tendon tear or complete patellar tendon rupture typically requires surgical repair. This procedure typically involves reattaching the tendon to the knee cap and securing it in place. Dr. Szerlip performs minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible to promote faster recovery and reduce complications.
Recovery from a patellar tendon tear treatment varies depending on the severity of the injury and the chosen treatment method.
If no surgery is needed, as in the case of most partial tears, your recovery will go as follows:
Following surgical repair, your recovery may go as follows:
Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, provides personalized rehabilitation programs to help patients regain strength and mobility after a patellar tendon tear.
If you’re experiencing knee pain or believe you’ve suffered a patellar tendon injury, don’t wait to seek treatment. Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, specializes in patellar tendon tear treatment to help patients regain mobility and return to the activities they love.
Schedule an appointment today to receive expert care from our fellowship-trained surgeon in Austin, Texas. Let us help you get back to doing the things you love.
