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Informative Article | Surgery | Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026 | Pages: 1384 - 1389 | India
Acute Quadriceps Tendon Tear Following Trivial Trauma in a Physically Active 40 Year Old Male: A Case Report
Abstract: Background: Quadriceps tendon rupture is an uncommon but clinically significant cause of extensor mechanism disruption of the knee. While often associated with systemic comorbidities, it can also occur in otherwise healthy individuals following eccentric loading or awkward jerky movements. Case Presentation: A 40-year-old male gym trainer presented with acute-onset pain, swelling, and functional impairment of the left knee while descending from stairs. Clinical examination revealed restricted range of motion and inability to actively extend the knee with effusion. Radiographs demonstrates knee effusion without any evidence of fracture, MRI confirmed complete quadriceps tendon tear at its patellar insertion. Intervention: On surgical exposure, the Quadriceps tendon was found to be degenerated. Surgical repair was performed involving thorough debridement of devitalised tendon tissue followed by secure reattachment using suture anchors at the superior pole of the patella. A structured post-operative rehabilitation protocol was implemented. Hypothesis: We propose that in well-built individuals, repetitive micro-trauma and occult degenerative changes weaken the quadriceps tendon. When subjected to abrupt eccentric loading, the resulting tensile forces exceed the reduced structural integrity of the tendon, precipitating rupture even in the absence of significant external trauma. Outcome: Till six weeks post operatively, the knee was maintained in full extension as per the immobilisation protocol, with no evidence of extensor lag. Gradual mobilisation was initiated thereafter, achieving 30? of knee flexion at 7 weeks and 70? by 8 weeks. Adjunct therapy using Matrix Rhythm Therapy (MaRhyThe) was incorporated to enhance soft tissue recovery. By 10 weeks, the patient achieved 110? of knee flexion, and by 12 weeks, more than 120? of flexion with full active knee extension was restored. The patient demonstrated good functional recovery with no residual extensor lag. Conclusion: Quadriceps tendon rupture in muscular individuals may represent an internal biomechanical failure rather than purely traumatic injury. Early clinical suspicion, prompt MRI-based diagnosis, and timely surgical repair with suture anchors are key determinants of restoring full knee extensor function and preventing long-term disability.
Keywords: Quadriceps tendon rupture; knee extensor mechanism; suture anchor repair; knee trauma; rehabilitation; Lysholm score
How to Cite?: Dr. Ameya Lawhale, Dr. Shashwat Chavan, Dr. Dhiraj Jori, Dr. Mangesh Panat, "Acute Quadriceps Tendon Tear Following Trivial Trauma in a Physically Active 40 Year Old Male: A Case Report", Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1384-1389, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26421124432, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26421124432