The patellar tendon is the tendon that connects the bottom of the patella, or kneecap, to the top part of the tibia, or shinbone, states Teens Health. The tendon aids in the proper flexion and extension of the knee. Along with the other ligaments, tendons, muscles and bones of the knee joint, the patellar tendon supports the knee and is essential in the proper movement of the joint. In some patients, the patellar tendon tears and prevents the knee from moving properly. These patients may require surgery to repair the tear. Like all surgeries, patellar tendon repair may have complications.
Weakness and Reduced Motion
Among the most common complications associated with patellar tendon repair surgery are weakness and loss of motion in the injured knee, reports the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Even after a successful surgery, patients may still be unable to regain normal levels of function in the repaired knee joint. Patients may complain of a decrease in strength when using the joint or stiffness in the knee that prevents a full range of motion. These complaints are due to scar tissue forming where the tear in the patellar tendon occurred. Patients can usually reduce this complication with physical therapy and rehabilitation, but in some cases the weakness and impaired motion are permanent.
Infection
Because surgery creates a wound, bacteria or other germs can contaminate the surgical site and cause an illness. The risk of infection is high in patients who undergo patellar tendon repair, according to The Center for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. Surgeons attempt to minimize this risk by using sterile surgical techniques and administering antibiotics to prevent infection. Infections can prevent healing of the surgical wound and delay the healing of the injured tendon. Signs of infection include fever, pain in the affected knee and redness around the surgical area.
Blood Clot
Blood clots are accumulations of blood cells and other substances that can block blood vessels. Blood clots are a possible complication of patellar tendon repair, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Blood clots can prevent blood from reaching organs within the body. Usually blood clots appear in and obstruct vessels that have been damaged during the surgery. In rare cases, however, the blood clot can move from the originating artery and travel to distant vessels. This kind of blood clot is called an embolus. Embolisms can prevent blood from reaching organs such as the heart, lungs and brain. Any patient with this complication requires emergency medical care.
Anesthesia Complications
Patients who undergo surgical repair for a torn patellar tendon receive anesthesia to numb the pain of surgery. Patients undergoing patellar tendon repair receive either regional anesthesia or general anesthesia, reports the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Orthopod notes that some surgical complications in patellar tendon surgery are associated with the use of anesthesia. Patients may react badly to the anesthesia and develop life-threatening complications. Once a patient begins to have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia, a surgeon will stop the surgical procedure and provide immediate medical interventions to reverse the reaction. Some of the possible complications listed by the Mayo Clinic are transient confusion, infections of the lung, heart attack and death.
