: Diagnosis and Treatment This week we’re going to review injuries to the extensor mechanism of the knee.
: Diagnosis and Treatment This week we’re going to review injuries to the extensor mechanism of the knee. To begin, we should review the anatomy of the knee. The quadriceps muscle is composed of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, intermedius and medialis which all coalesce to form the quadriceps tendon.
The quad tendon (QT) inserts into the patella which in turn attaches to the proximal patellar tendon (PT) which ultimately attaches at the tibial tuberosity. Extensor tendon injuries are generally characterized as either quad tendon or patellar tendon ruptures. Case Question A 30 year old male presents to the clinic several days after developing acute right knee pain while playing basketball.
He states he came down from a rebound and as he was landing he felt a pop in his knee. He was unable to continue playing. On exam, he has a moderate sized joint effusion and tenderness at the insertion of the tibial tubercle.
He is unable to actively extend his knee. You obtain radiographs of the affected knee. Which of the following is most likely to be seen on radiographs?
A) Tibial Plateau fracture B) Patella fracture C) Patella Alta D) Patella Baja Body The overall prevalence in a british study was 1.37 (QT) and 0.6 (PT) per 100,000 person years. QT ruptures are more common in patients older than 40 and typically associated with degenerative tears. They also occur at a rate approximately 6 times more frequently than PT ruptures.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to extensor tendon injuries of the knee, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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