BACKGROUND Isolated rupture of the patellar tendon is a rare injury. Often occurring during a fall in 20- and 30-year olds, patients may have a preexisting medical condition (eg, history of steroid use) or a history of repetitive microtrauma to the knee. A high-riding patella on physical examination and radiographs is pathognomonic. METHODS Immediate orthopaedic referral for surgical repair i...

Human patellae (kneecaps) are thought to act as gears, altering the mechanical advantage of knee extensor muscles during running. Similar sesamoids have evolved in the knee extensor tendon independently in birds, but it is unknown if these also affect the mechanical advantage of knee extensors. Here, we examine the mechanics of the patellofemoral joint in the helmeted guineafowl Numida meleagri...

Patellar tendon ruptures are treated surgically. Whether immediate or delayed; primary repairs have generally been supported with some sort of patellotibial transfixation if early mobilization is desired. Neglected cases on the other hand have been augmented with autografts. Here we present a case of neglected complete transection of the patellar tendon. Although patella had not migrated proxim...

The present study investigated the mechanical properties of tendon fascicles from the anterior and posterior human patellar tendon. Collagen fascicles from the anterior and posterior human patellar tendon in healthy young men (mean +/- SD, 29.0 +/- 4.6 yr, n = 6) were tested in a mechanical rig. A stereoscopic microscope equipped with a digital camera recorded elongation. The fascicles were pre...

INTRODUCTION We report a case of isolated, unilateral avulsion of the vastus lateralis tendon from its insertion at the patella. This was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging, and underwent successful surgical repair. CASE PRESENTATION A healthy 32-year-old national level power lifter presented with an isolated avulsion of the vastus lateralis tendon. After a failed course of conservative ...

We describe our experience with the 'four-in-one' procedure for habitual dislocation of the patella in five children (six knees). All the patients presented with severe generalised ligamentous laxity and aplasia of the trochlear groove. All had a lateral release, proximal 'tube' realignment of the patella, semitendinosus tenodesis and transfer of the patellar tendon. The mean age at the time of...

Physical examination showed a palpable defect in the quadriceps tendons, inferior displacement of the patella (patella baja), proximal ecchymosis, and swelling. Evaluation of range of motion revealed complete loss of active knee extension. The diagnosis of bilateral simultaneous rupture of the quadriceps tendons was suspected and further confirmed by knee radiographs, showing inferior patellar ...

Introduction: Over 200,000 anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions (ACLR) are performed in the United States yearly, making it one of the most common orthopedic procedures. Graft choices for ACLR include both autograft and allograft tendons. The most popular autograft choices are the bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) and hamstring (HS) tendons. While the BPTB has long been considered “the gol...

Patellofemoral dysfunction, due to either a patellofemoral malalignment or patellar instability, is a complex and debilitating condition that significantly decreases the knee function. Conservative management may yield significant clinical outcomes; however, when morphologic anomalies are identified, the surgical approach should be employed. Hence, several surgical procedures have been describe...