Quadriceps tendon repair

Overview

Front view of the knee showing the femur, tibia, patella, cruciate and collateral ligaments, and the medial and lateral menisci. — **Knee anatomy.** The knee is the meeting point of the thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia), and kneecap (patella). Four ligaments hold it together — the ACL and PCL inside the joint and the MCL and LCL on the sides — and two C-shaped menisci cushion the joint surfaces.

The quadriceps tendon attaches the powerful thigh muscles to the top of the patella. A complete rupture — most often in middle-aged or older patients after an eccentric load — eliminates active knee extension. Like its cousin the patellar tendon, it requires prompt repair before retraction sets in.

How the Procedure Works

Heavy sutures are passed through the torn tendon and anchored to the patella through bone tunnels or suture anchors. Reattachment restores continuity so the quadriceps once again extends the knee.

When to Consider Quadriceps Tendon Repair

Quadriceps tendon repair is generally offered when symptoms, imaging, and a trial of non-operative care together point to surgery as the next step. The typical picture includes:

Acute quadriceps tendon rupture
Sudden loss of the ability to actively extend the knee, with a palpable defect above the kneecap.
Functional extensor lag
Persistent weakness in active knee extension after conservative trial in a chronic or partial tear.