@corycalendinemd: Why Your Knee Won't Extend | Patellar Tendon Tears . Patellar #tendonrupture is a relatively uncommon but disabling injury that disrupts the extensor mechanism of the knee - seen most often in active males (30-40s) typically after a forceful quadriceps contraction w/ the knee flexed - landing from a jump or missing a step on the stairs. Patients usually describe a pop, immediate swelling, and the inability to actively extend the knee or maintain a straight leg raise. . The patellar tendon, technically a ligament since it connects the inferior pole of the patella to the tibial tubercle, transmits the full force of the quadriceps. Studies estimate it takes ~17X body weight to rupture a healthy tendon, which is why most ruptures occur in tendons already weakened by chronic degeneration, corticosteroid exposure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. Most tears occur near the inferior pole of the patella where collagen strain is highest. Diagnosis is largely clinical, supported by lateral radiographs showing patella alta with an Insall-Salvati ratio >1.2. MRI confirms partial tears + helps quantify thickness. Partial ruptures with an intact extensor mechanism can often be managed in a hinged brace locked in extension for 6 weeks. Complete ruptures require timely surgical repair, ideally within 1-2 weeks, to preserve tendon length and optimize healing. Suture anchor fixation has gained favor over traditional transosseous tunnels, w/ biomechanica/clinical data showing less gap formation + lower re-rupture rates. Augmentation with suture tape or autograft can allow earlier range of motion. #kneeinjury #orthopedics . 👇 SHARE your #patellartendon injury experience & insights

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Wednesday 27 May 2026 18:18:40 GMT