Aftercare
Overall, the healing phase of patellar tendon ruptures takes a relatively long time, since tendons are among the tissue types that are less well supplied with blood. Immobilization is therefore of utmost importance for the healing process. Various aids are used for this, such as a so-called stretching orthosis or a thigh tutor splint.
The stretching orthosis is an aluminum splint that is padded from the inside and keeps the knee bent at a certain angle. The thigh tutor splint is a plaster cast that extends from the groin to the ankle and also keeps the knee bent at a defined bending angle. With such an aid, the leg can be fully loaded immediately after the operation; only the knee flexion should be performed gradually.
For the first two weeks, the knee joint should be flexed at a maximum of 30 degrees, followed by an increase to 60 and 90 degrees every two weeks. About seven weeks after the operation, the knee should be moved without splinting, if there are no other factors that speak against it. Despite immobilization, it is extremely important to start knee training early on in order to regain the full range of motion and avoid further complications caused by immobilization.
These are, for example, thromboses or embolism, soft tissue damage due to splinting and regression of the musculature (atrophy) due to lack of movement. Physiotherapy is very well suited for the early mobilization of the knee and the prevention of these complications. With this method, the affected muscle groups are specifically trained and exercises for knee mobility adapted to the respective healing step are performed. Many affected persons report a limitation of knee extension, but this can usually be remedied by specific training.
Prognosis
For a good prognosis of a torn patellar tendon, it is important to start mobilization early on despite immobilization in order to regain the previous range of motion. In most cases, this is also successful. However, factors that can delay the healing process are too early or inappropriate full loading of the knee, which can cause the wire loop to break off, or postoperative wound infections.
In the case of degenerately damaged tendons, the tendon may also tear again. If no negative factors are present, however, the torn patella tendon will heal completely and there will be no further restrictions in everyday life or other sporting activities.
