Quadriceps Tendon Repair Surgery

The quadriceps muscles on the front of the thigh attach to the patella (kneecap) by the quadriceps tendon. When the quadriceps tendon is injured, the quadriceps muscles and the patella are no longer properly connected and this results in loss of function of the quadriceps muscles. The quadriceps muscles work to straighten the knee or control the knee during bending or squatting. A complete rupture of the tendon leaves a patient unable to fully straighten the knee or walk normally without the knee giving out. The quadriceps tendon usually is torn by a sudden episode of stressful over-activity such as jumping or falling. Repairing the tendon back to the patella is recommended since the quadriceps tendon is needed to walk normally and perform other daily activities.