How serious is a ruptured patellar tendon?

Small tendon tears can make it difficult to walk and participate in other daily activities. A large tear of the patellar tendon is a disabling injury. It usually requires surgery and physical therapy afterward to regain full knee function.

Does the patellar tendon regenerate?

Brief Summary: The central third of the patellar tendon is used as a donor site for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. After months or years the harvest site partially regenerates. The regeneration process is accomplished by biological mechanisms,including cells and proteins known as growth factors.

How long does it take to recover from a ruptured patellar tendon?

Complete patellar tendon tear recovery: since the patellar tendon breaks into two pieces, it will require surgery, which can take about six months to recover along with extensive rehabilitation. Some patients have reported a period of about 12 months before complete recovery.

How is a ruptured patellar tendon repair?

Treatments. Surgery is usually recommended to repair a ruptured patellar tendon. During surgery, the kneecap is positioned properly and the torn tendon is attached to the bottom of the kneecap with sutures (stitches) or with metal anchor screws.

Is a rupture worse than a tear?

Any type of tear can cause patients issues but a full rupture is much tougher to bounce back from in the long-term as a great deal of tissue needs to be repaired.

Can you walk with a torn patella tendon?

Walking after a patellar tendon tear is possible, however, many patients will notice significant knee instability as well as severe pain.

How successful is patellar tendon surgery?

The results showed that the success rate of surgery for patellar tendinopathy is generally over 77%. Return to sports rates are better for proximal tendon patients who undergo bony procedures. Patients return to sports faster if they undergo arthroscopic procedures, and fewer complications are described.

What’s the worst tendon to tear?

Achilles tendonitis is the wearing down of the tendon through overuse or damage. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and is used when you walk, run, and jump. So if you injure or tear it, you won’t be able to do much of anything for a while.

Is a ruptured tendon bad?

Although fairly uncommon, a tendon rupture can be a serious problem and may result in excruciating pain and permanent disability if untreated.

What does a ruptured patellar tendon feel like?

Experiencing a tearing or popping sensation is a common symptom of a patellar tendon tear. After the tear occurs, you may be unable to straighten your knee and have difficulty walking. Pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness and cramping are also common following a tear.

Can the patellar tendon heal on its own?

A torn patellar tendon does not heal well on its own, and left untreated will lead to weakness of the quadriceps muscle and difficulty with routine activities, including walking. Surgery to repair the torn tendon is relatively straightforward in concept but can be difficult to perform.

How long does it take to heal a patellar tendon?

In terms of recovery, you would be able to return to physical activity in 9 months to a year. Following surgery, it usually takes 6 to 8 weeks for the tendon to heal. Rehabilitation to the patellar tendon can begin after healing.

How to tell if a tendon is ruptured?

Sudden pain (which feels like a kick or a stab) in the back of the ankle or calf—often subsiding into a dull ache

How long is recovery from patellar surgery?

In general the skin takes 10-14 days to heal. The patella tendon portion of the surgery will take 6 weeks for the primary tendon repait o heal during which time you will probably be immobilized fr 2 weeks then braced adnallowed motion (rate limited by your surgeon) ultimatley will start muscle strengthening which may take 3-4 months.