The patellar tendon performs an important function in the stabilization and mobility of the knee joint. It connects the largest thigh muscle (quadriceps femoris) to the tibia via the kneecap (patella) and is thus stressed during every bend and extension of the knee. Overloading or incorrect loading, for example during sports, can cause irritation of the patellar tendon – the so-called patellar tendon syndrome. A patellar tendon rupture, on the other hand, usually occurs only if there is previous damage to the tendon or as a result of an accident.
Patellar tendon syndrome – irritation of the patellar tendon.
Persistent overuse of the patellar tendon can lead to what is known as patellar tendinopathy. This is a wear and tear disease in which there is chronic irritation at the junction between the bone and the tendon. It usually affects athletes, but also people who frequently work with their knees bent.
Since the patellar tendon is particularly stressed by abrupt movements in sports such as basketball, volleyball or long jump, patellar tendon syndrome is also called “jumper’s knee” or “jumpers knee”.
Symptoms of such patellar tendon irritation include knee pain during exertion such as climbing stairs or walking downhill. Pain can also occur at rest or after prolonged knee flexion, as well as when tightening the quadriceps muscle.
Rest and physical therapy important
In acute patellar tendinitis, relief is initially the most important measure. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, you should therefore refrain from sports for at least six weeks to three months. Painkillers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac relieve the discomfort, but you should not take them for more than a few days without a doctor’s prescription.
If the pain is severe, an orthopedist may inject a local anesthetic or cortisone into the patellar tendon.
Physiotherapy treatment is also important, using massage and stretching exercises to loosen the tendon tissue. In some circumstances, physical methods such as ultrasound treatment or shock wave therapy may also be useful.
Patellar tendon taping
A brace or tape can help protect against patellar tendinopathy by stabilizing the joint. Have your physical therapist show you how to tape, then you can renew the tape dressing on your own at home. As an alternative, there are different types of bandages that are simply pulled over the knee.
A special form of taping is the so-called kinesio tape. This is usually colorful self-adhesive plaster strips that are stuck in a certain way on and around the knee. The effect is based less on stabilization than on an increase in blood flow, which is achieved by pulling the tape on the skin.
Patellar tendon rupture: sudden pain and loss of strength
A rupture of the patellar tendon is a relatively rare injury. It usually affects older people in whom the strength of the tendons is reduced by certain diseases such as diabetes mellitus, or who have a pre-damaged patellar tendon due to previous injuries or surgery.
Then, for example, a sudden strong effort or muscle strain can result in a patellar tendon rupture. The patellar tendon can also tear in a fall or accident.
This is noticeable by an abrupt pain in connection with a loss of strength in the leg – the extension of the leg is no longer possible or restricted. In addition, a so-called patellar protrusion occurs: Due to the fact that the kneecap is no longer fixed by the patellar tendon, it is several centimeters higher than in the normal case.
The diagnosis is then confirmed by an X-ray and possibly an MRI scan.
Surgery unavoidable
In the case of a completely torn patellar tendon, surgery is mandatory. This is because the pull of the thigh muscle on the kneecap prevents the patellar tendon from growing together on its own. Therefore, it is sutured in an operation and the suture is secured by a wire sling.
If only a small part of the patellar tendon is torn, non-surgical treatment may be possible if necessary. In this case, the knee is immobilized in a splint and no or only partial weight-bearing is allowed for several weeks.
