The quadriceps tendon is a tendon that connects your quadriceps muscle to your kneecap. If you injure the quadriceps tendon, you can either partially or completely tear the tendon. A complete tear necessitates surgery, and a partial tear can as well because it prohibits you from straightening your leg. Quadriceps tendon tears commonly occur when you fall and land with your knee bent or experience force to the front of the knee. After surgical repair, you will need to undergo rehabilitation to return your leg to normal function.
Rehabilitation Approaches
When you begin rehabilitation depends on the severity of your tendon injury and the surgical approach your physician uses. Some physicians use a conservative approach that limits motion and weight-bearing for several weeks. Others use an immediate motion approach that involves beginning to move and bear weight on the leg immediately after surgery. Regardless of the approach, you can expect that recovery will take at least four to six months, with some patients requiring up to one year for rehabilitation.
Range-of-Motion Exercises
After your surgery, your physical therapist will work with you to regain range of motion in your knee. Because the quadriceps tendon helps you straighten the knee, exercises will focus on knee straightening and bending, such as leg extensions. Your physician also may recommend cardiovascular exercises that involve range of motion but do not place strain on the muscles. Examples include riding an exercise bike with no resistance, pool walking or swimming.
Proprioception Exercises
When your physician or physical therapist gives you approval to begin exercises that involve bearing weight on your affected leg, he will likely recommend proprioception exercises. These exercises involve developing the stabilizing muscles of the quadriceps to help you regain your balance after surgery. Exercises can involve standing on one leg or balancing on a special wobble board that uses your legs to maintain your balance. These exercises typically are recommended three months or later after your surgery.
Milestones
Your rehabilitation specialist will work to help you achieve milestones that you identify throughout your rehabilitation, such as returning to a particular sport. Throughout the process, you will use ice, medication and the use of a brace to reduce pain and inflammation in the quadriceps and knee. Milestones in your recovery include the ability to return to full range of motion and to walk comfortably without the use of a knee brace.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Quadriceps Tendon Tear
- Center for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine: Quadriceps Tendon Rupture and Surgical Repair
- Sports Injury Clinic: Quadriceps Tendon Repair
- University of Delaware: Rehab Practice Guidelines for Quadriceps and Patellar Tendon Repair
- Massachussetts General Hospital: Rehabilitation After Repair of the Patellar and Quadriceps Tendon
