What is a quadriceps tendon rupture?
A quadriceps tendon rupture is a “disease” of the large thigh muscle on the front of the thigh. The quadriceps muscle itself is a muscle that consists of a total of four muscle bellies and is mainly responsible for flexion in the hip joint. The muscle is attached to the patella and lower leg as well as to the hip bone by means of tendons.
Accordingly, a quadriceps tendon rupture is a tear in the muscle’s attachment tendons. This rupture can affect the entire tendon or only a part of it. Here you can learn everything about the quadriceps tendon
The possible causes
The causes of a tendon rupture can roughly be divided into two categories. On the one hand, tendon ruptures can occur as a result of sudden overload or as a symptom of fatigue. The main factor for the second variant is, on the one hand, the age of the patient or a disease of the tendon tissue in general.
Ruptures due to overstrain often occur in connection with sporting activities. Even though such an injury is significantly less common than other sports injuries, it can occur during intensive strength training. A quadriceps tendon rupture in combination with an accident can either follow as a direct consequence of the accident or the accident can cause overloading, which can result in a rupture.
Usually, the quadriceps tendon ruptures near the point of attachment to the patella or lower leg. If the muscle is slightly stretched, a strong blow or an incarceration can lead to a tear. If the tear has found a starting point on the tendon, it can spread across the tendon. If, on the other hand, the accident leads to an incarceration of the lower leg and the rest of the body weight rests on the muscle power of the quadriceps, a “fatigue tear” of the tendon can occur after prolonged stress.
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