Acute quadriceps tendon ruptures: A series of 50 knees with an average follow-up of more than 6 years

Introduction: Quadriceps tendon ruptures are rare and mainly affect patients over 40 years of age who have a systemic disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and radiological outcomes following surgical repair of acute quadriceps tendon ruptures. Methods: This retrospective study included 68 knees in 65 patients (three women, 62 men), having an average age of 55.2 +/- 13.9 years. The Lysholm and Tegner scores, patient satisfaction, range of motion and X-rays were evaluated. Results: Fifty knees were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 76 +/- 67 months (12-253 months). The average Lysholm score was 93.7 +/- 10 (range 56-100, median 99) and 49 of 50 knees (98%) had good or very good subjective results. The average Tegner score was 3.4 +/- 1.6 (range 1-9, median 4). At the last follow-up, the average active flexion was 133 degrees +/- 10.8 degrees (range 110 degrees-150 degrees, median 130 degrees). Minor or moderate patellofemoral osteoarthritis was found in 24% of knees, but this was attributed to the surgery or initial injury in only 8% of cases. For 97% of active patients, the surgical repair allowed them to return to work in their pre-injury occupations. Conclusion: Quadriceps tendon ruptures have a good prognosis if they are diagnosed quickly. Treatment consists of surgery and postoperative immobilization for at least 6 weeks. An intensive rehabilitation protocol is also needed to recover good knee function. Level of evidence: Level IV. Retrospective study. (C) 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.