# Patella Tendon Repair

- Link: https://carolinaona.com/patella-tendon-repair/
- Published: 2019-01-17T21:43:29-05:00
- Author: Dallas Clifton

# **Patellar Tendon (Jumper’s Knee) Specialist in Spartanburg, Duncan, or Greenville, SC**

 [Contact Us](https://carolinaona.com/contact-locations/)

### What is a Patella Tendon/Quadriceps Tendon Repair?

The patella and quadriceps tendons help stabilize the knee and straighten the leg.
A complete patellar or quadriceps tendon tear makes walking complicated or even 
bearing weight on the injured leg. For many patients, patella or quadricep tendon
tears do not heal without surgical intervention.

A Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates (CONA) specialist performs a
patella tendon of quadriceps tendon repair to treat the tear and reduce symptoms.
After a short recovery period, the patient returns to normal activities with minimal
or no restrictions.

## **What Causes a Patella Tendon/Quadriceps Tendon Tear?**

A patella or quadriceps tendon tear usually occurs from a fall or awkward landing.
The force of the impact is too much for the tendon, and it tears. This can also 
occur from blunt force trauma to the front of the knee. While these injuries can
happen to anyone, many preexisting conditions can weaken the tendon and increase
the chances of injury. Some of these conditions include:

 * Gout
 * Infection
 * Leukemia
 * Rheumatoid Arthritis
 * Chronic Kidney Failure
 * Obesity

When the tendon tears, you may feel a popping or tearing sensation. It will become
difficult to walk or straighten your leg. If you have these symptoms, book an appointment
with a CONA South Carolina knee surgeon or visit one of our orthopedic [urgent care walk-in clinics](https://carolinaona.com/orthopedic-urgent-care/).

## **Can I Reduce the Chances of a Patella Tendon/Quadriceps Tendon Tear?**

Though a patella or quadriceps tendon tear can happen to anyone, you can take steps
to reduce your chances of injury. It is essential to maintain physical fitness through
exercise. Be sure to warm up and stretch before exercising and wear the proper equipment
if playing sports. If you have medical conditions that may lead to tendon weakness,
[contact us](https://carolinaona.com/appointment-request-form/) for more information
on avoiding injuries and complications.

## **How is a Patella Tendon/Quadriceps Tendon Repair Performed?**

A patella tendon repair is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Local or
general anesthesia may be used. A [CONA tendon repair surgeon](https://carolinaona.com/physicians-staff/)
in South Carolina will:

 1. **Begin surgery** – Soft tissues are retracted to expose the torn tendon, and tiny
    holes are made in the patella.
 2. **Repairs are performed.** Sutures are passed through the torn tendon, creating
    holes in the patella. Gentle tension is placed on the sutures until the tendon 
    and patella are in a perfect anatomical position. 
 3. **Close the incision** – The skin is carefully closed, the knee is sterilely dressed,
    and a knee brace is placed on the knee.

The patient returns home after being awake and alert, and their discomfort is controlled.

## **What are the Benefits of Patella Tendon/Quadriceps Tendon Repair?**

In cases of a complete tendon tear, surgery is needed to return the knee to full
function. Patients who adhere to their CONA specialist’s advice and are dedicated
to physical or [occupational therapy](https://carolinaona.com/occupational-therapy/)
will experience no loss in knee strength or flexibility after recovery.

## **How Long Does Recovery From Patella Tendon/Quadriceps Tendon Repair Take?**

At-home rest lasts approximately two weeks. A knee brace immobilizes and protects
the knee, and crutches are used to get around the house. [Physical therapy](https://carolinaona.com/physical-therapy/)
is started as soon as possible to speed up recovery and improve knee strength and
flexibility. A CONA specialist sees the patient two weeks after surgery and again
at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Complete recovery takes about 4-6 months.

## **Patella Tendon/Quadriceps Tendon Injury Treatment in South Carolina**

If you’ve suffered a patella or quadriceps tendon injury, [book an appointment](https://carolinaona.com/appointment-request-form/)
with the top-rated doctors at one of our Spartanburg, Duncan, or Greenville CONA
locations. For immediate treatment, visit one of our convenient orthopedic [urgent walk-in clinics](https://carolinaona.com/orthopedic-urgent-care/).