Patellar Tendon Rupture Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC
A patellar tendon rupture is a serious knee injury that can make it difficult or impossible to straighten the leg or bear weight. Often caused by sports injuries, falls, or sudden forceful movements, a torn patellar tendon requires prompt evaluation to restore knee function and prevent long-term disability. Symptoms such as a popping sensation, swelling, severe pain, and knee instability should never be ignored.
Blake Ohlson, M.D. provides expert diagnosis and treatment for patellar tendon ruptures in Mount Pleasant, SC. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and regenerative medicine specialist, he offers comprehensive care for both partial and complete tendon tears. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may include bracing, rehabilitation, or advanced surgical repair designed to restore strength, stability, and normal knee function.
What is Patellar Tendon Rupture?
The patellar tendon works together with the quadriceps muscle and the quadriceps tendon to allow your knee to straighten out. Patella tendon rupture is the rupture of the tendon that connects the patella (kneecap) to the top portion of the tibia (shinbone).
What are the Causes of Patellar Tendon Rupture?
A patellar tendon tear most commonly occurs in middle-aged people who participate in sports that involve jumping and running. It can rupture due to a fall, direct blow to the knee or landing on your foot awkwardly from a jump. The other causes may include patellar tendonitis (inflammation of patellar tendon), diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, infection, and chronic renal failure. The use of medications such as steroids can cause increased muscle and tendon weakness.
What are the Symptoms of Patellar Tendon Rupture?
When the patellar tendon tears, the patella may lose its anchoring support on the tibia, as a result, when the quadriceps muscle contracts, the patella may move up into the thigh. You are unable to straighten your knee and upon standing, the knee buckles upon itself. In addition to this, you may have pain, swelling, tenderness, a tearing or popping sensation, bruising and cramping.
A patellar tendon tear can be a partial or complete tear.
- In a partial tear, some of the fibers in the tendon are torn, but the soft tissue is not damaged.
- In a complete tear, the soft tissues are disrupted into two pieces.
How is Patellar Tendon Rupture Diagnosed?
To identify a patellar tendon tear, your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination of your knee. Some imaging tests, such as an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
What is the Treatment for Patellar Tendon Rupture?
Patellar tendon ruptures can be treated by non-surgical and surgical methods.
Non-surgical Treatment of Patellar Tendon Rupture
Non-surgical treatment involves the use of braces or splints to immobilize the knee. Physical therapy may be recommended to restore the strength and increase the range of motion of the knee.
Surgical Treatment of Patellar Tendon Rupture
The goal of the surgery is to reattach the torn tendon to the kneecap and restore the normal function in the affected leg. Surgery is performed under regional or general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. An incision is made on the front of the knee to expose the ruptured tendon. Holes are made in the patella. Strong sutures are tied to the tendon and threaded through these holes. These sutures are tied in place to pull the torn edge of the tendon back to its normal position on the kneecap.
Severe damage can make the patellar tendon very short, and in such cases, reattachment will be difficult. Your surgeon may attach a tissue taken from a donor (allograft) to lengthen the tendon.
What Does Postoperative Care for Patellar Tendon Rupture Involve?
Following surgery, a brace may be necessary to protect the healing tendon. Complete healing of the tendon will take about 6 months.
What are the Risks and Complications of Surgical Treatment for Patellar Tendon Rupture?
As with all surgeries, surgery for patellar tendon rupture may be associated with certain risks and complications such as weakness and loss of motion. In some cases, the tendon that is re-attached may detach from the kneecap or tear. Other complications such as infection and blood clot may be observed.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Patellar Tendon Rupture Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Patellar tendon injuries require specialized orthopedic care to achieve the best possible recovery. Dr. Blake Ohlson combines extensive experience treating complex knee injuries with individualized treatment plans focused on restoring mobility and helping patients safely return to their active lifestyles.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Board-certified orthopedic surgery expertise
- Accurate diagnosis using advanced physical examination and imaging
- Comprehensive care for both partial and complete patellar tendon ruptures
- Personalized non-surgical treatment when appropriate
- Expertise in advanced tendon repair and minimally invasive orthopedic techniques
- Customized rehabilitation programs to restore strength and range of motion
- Regenerative medicine expertise for appropriate soft tissue conditions
- Convenient care for patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities
Dr. Ohlson works closely with every patient to create a treatment plan that supports proper tendon healing while helping minimize downtime and future knee problems.
Patellar Tendon Rupture FAQs
What is a patellar tendon rupture?
A patellar tendon rupture occurs when the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia) tears. This injury disrupts the knee's extensor mechanism, making it difficult or impossible to straighten the leg.
What are the symptoms of a torn patellar tendon?
Common symptoms include sudden knee pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, a popping or tearing sensation, difficulty walking, inability to straighten the knee, and a feeling that the knee is giving way.
What causes a patellar tendon rupture?
Patellar tendon ruptures often occur during jumping or running sports, awkward landings, falls, or direct trauma to the knee. Certain medical conditions, chronic tendon inflammation, and lo
How is a patellar tendon rupture diagnosed?
Dr. Ohlson will perform a physical examination and review your symptoms. X-rays may help evaluate the position of the kneecap, while MRI is commonly used to confirm the extent of the tendon injury.
Will I need surgery for a patellar tendon rupture?
Partial tears may sometimes be treated with bracing and physical therapy. Complete ruptures typically require surgical repair to restore normal knee function and allow patients to regain strength and mobility.
How long is recovery after patellar tendon repair?
Recovery varies depending on the severity of the injury and individual healing. Most patients participate in several months of rehabilitation, with complete tendon healing often taking approximately six months before returning to higher-level activities.
Schedule a Patellar Tendon Rupture Evaluation in Mount Pleasant, SC
If you've experienced a sudden knee injury and cannot straighten your leg or bear weight normally, prompt orthopedic evaluation is essential. Early treatment can improve healing and help restore full knee function.
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Ohlson in Mount Pleasant, SC, for expert diagnosis and treatment of patellar tendon ruptures. Proudly serving patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities, Dr. Ohlson provides comprehensive orthopedic care designed to help you recover safely and return to an active lifestyle.