Best Practice Case Studies-Tendon Ruptures

Pdf Summary

The quadriceps muscle group comprises four muscles located at the front of the thigh, working with tendons and bones to enable knee extension. Patellar and quadriceps tendon ruptures are rare but serious injuries, often occurring when the quadriceps muscle contracts forcefully while the knee is bent. These injuries can happen at any tendon location, with patellar tendon ruptures more common in athletes under 40 and quadriceps tendon ruptures more common in those over 40. Risk factors include steroid use, and diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and diabetes.<br /><br />Symptoms of a tendon rupture include an audible or felt "pop," inability to extend the knee actively, instability, swelling, and pain. Diagnosis involves a sports medicine physician examining swelling, discoloration, and pain levels, with potential use of X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to confirm tendon ruptures.<br /><br />Treatment varies based on the severity of the rupture. Partial ruptures may heal with around six weeks of immobilization followed by physical therapy, whereas complete tears often require surgical intervention within one to two weeks, using wires, sutures, or cables for repair, followed by physical therapy to restore motion and strength.<br /><br />Preventive measures include regular exercise, stretching, and proper warm-ups and cool-downs. Recovery time varies; post-surgical return to sports may take six to 12 months, though partial tears without surgery typically heal faster.<br /><br />The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) provides resources and expertise in the care of athletes, advocating for a thorough and specialized approach to sports-related injuries. Further information can be found at their website, www.amssm.org.

Meta Tag

Edition 2nd Edition

Related Case 2nd Edition, CASE 54

Topic Thigh

Keywords

2nd Edition, CASE 54

2nd Edition

Thigh

quadriceps

patellar tendon rupture

quadriceps tendon rupture

knee extension

sports medicine

tendon injuries

surgical intervention

physical therapy

preventive measures

AMSSM