What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Patellar Tendon Rupture (PTR)
• PTR (Patellar Tendon Rupture)
• Rupture of Patellar Tendon

What is Patellar Tendon Tear? (Definition/Background Information)

• Patellar Tendon Tear or Patellar Tendon Rupture (PTR) is an injury that occurs, when the tendon that attaches the patella (kneecap) to the tibia (shinbone), tears. The patellar tendon may be partially or completely torn
• Patellar Tendon Tears are usually caused by any athletic sport, such as basketball, football, or track and field events, which involves repetitive jumping or the risk of a direct blow to the knee
• Middle-aged adults, who participate in such athletics sports and activities, are more likely to experience such tendon tears
• The treatments associated with this injury, include both nonsurgical and surgical methods. However, a complete tear of the patellar tendon is a serious injury that usually requires surgical intervention
• Even so, the prognoses of Patellar Tendon Tears are usually excellent

Who gets Patellar Tendon Tear? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Patellar Tendon Tears may occur in individuals of any age, race, ethnic group, or gender
• Overall, middle-aged adults, who participate in certain athletic sports, such as basketball, football, track and field events, have the highest rate of occurrence of this injury

What are the Risk Factors for Patellar Tendon Tear? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors for Patellar Tendon Tears include:

• Chronic inflammatory disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Autoimmune systemic inflammatory condition, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Participating in certain sports, such as basketball, football, track and field activities
• Injection of corticosteroid into the knee (for treatment of patellar tendinitis)
• Previous surgical treatment on the knee, such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider. 

What are the Causes of Patellar Tendon Tear? (Etiology)

A few causal factors of Patellar Tendon Tears include:

• A traumatic injury to the knee, such as taking place due to an automobile accident, or a sports-related injury
• Participating in certain sports that involve repetitive running or jumping, such as basketball, football, and track and field events
• Injection of corticosteroid into the knee, which can cause muscle and tendon weakness

Certain chronic diseases that disrupt the blood supply can also weaken tendons, which may cause the kneecap tendon to tear. Such chronic diseases include:

• Chronic renal failure
• Hyper betalipoproteinemia
• Chronic inflammatory disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Autoimmune systemic inflammatory condition, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Diabetes mellitus
• Infections
• Metabolic disease

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Patellar Tendon Tear?

The signs and symptoms of Patellar Tendon Tear may include:

• Pain, swelling and tenderness of the patellar (kneecap) tendon
• Decreased range of motion in the knee joint; difficulty walking
• Unable to put any weight on the affected leg/knee
• Cramping of the knee
• Deformity of the knee

How is Patellar Tendon Tear Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose a Patellar Tendon Tear include:

• Physical examination: The physician may perform a thorough physical examination of the knee. Individuals are also expected to provide an explanation of the circumstances that caused the injury. In addition to this, a complete medical history can aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
• X-ray of the knee: X-rays use radiation to produce images of the knee joint, which can help confirm the diagnosis
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the affected region: An MRI is a more detailed scan that uses a magnetic field to produce images, which allows a physician to view any damage to the bones and soft tissue, to confirm the diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. 

What are the possible Complications of Patellar Tendon Tear?

Complications of Patellar Tendon Tears include:

• Prolonged and chronic pain
• Permanent disability
• Recurrence of the injury

How is Patellar Tendon Tear Treated?

Treatments associated with Patellar Tendon Tears include both nonsurgical and surgical methods. 

Nonsurgical treatments for the condition include:

• Any activity that further aggravates the knee condition should be avoided. The physician would normally advise the individuals to refrain from all such activities, until the symptoms get better and the tendon heals
• Applying ice to the knee, can help with pain and reduce any swelling
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as indomethacin and acetaminophen, may be used to treat Patellar Tendon Tears. These medications can help decrease the pain and reduce the swelling
• Complete immobilization of the knee with a brace is required to restrict movement. Individuals will most likely be required to use crutches for 3-6 weeks, to refrain from putting any weight on the knee
• Individuals are also likely to need physical therapy exercises after the brace is removed. The goals of these exercises are to strengthen the knee muscles, improve flexibility, and decrease stiffness. It may take several months for an individual to complete a physical therapy program and regain full strength and functionality in their affected knee

Surgical treatments for the condition include:

• Patellar tendon repair: Patellar tendon repair is a surgical procedure that re-attaches the torn tendon back to the bone, using small surgical instruments. These instruments are inserted through a small incision within the knee

How can Patellar Tendon Tear be Prevented?

To prevent Rupture of Patellar Tendon, individuals should be careful and consciously aware, while performing any physical activities, such as sports, or even some normal daily activities that could lead to situations involving accidents. Any possible dangers should also be anticipated, and appropriate safety measures adopted. 

A few ways to further help prevent unwanted injuries or Patellar Tendon Tears include:

• Individuals, who participate in any high-risk sports, such as basketball or football, should wear appropriate safety equipment to protect the knee, such as taping, protective strapping, or elastic compression bandages
• Stretch before exercising or taking part in sports activities; this increases flexibility in the tendons
• Allow for an adequate recovery time between exercises

What is the Prognosis of Patellar Tendon Tear? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• A high percentage of Patellar Tendon Tears heal, without any serious complications. When properly treated, under the guidance of a healthcare specialist, a high percentage of individuals regain their full strength and range of motion in the injured knee
• A full recovery and return to sports or normal daily activities may usually require 6-9 months. This also depends on the fact, whether the patellar tendon is partially torn or completely torn
• The presence of any complications may prolong the recovery period and may result in less successful prognosis

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Patellar Tendon Tear:

A tendon repair procedure involves a surgery to reattach the injured tendon, or the torn segments of the tendons are sewn together. 

The following article link will help you understand a tendon repair surgical procedure.

http://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-surgical/tendon-repair/