Introduction. The aim of study was to analyze risk factors, mechanisms of
injury, symptoms and time that elapsed from injury until operation of
complete quadriceps tendon ruptures. Material and Methods. This retrospective
multicenter study included 30 patients operated for this injury, of whom 28
(93.3%) were men. The average age was 53.7 years (18-73). Twenty-six patients
had reconstruction of unilateral rupture and four of bilateral one. Results.
Eighty percent of them had some risk factors for rupture of the tendon with
degenerative changes. Eight patients had diabetes, seven patients were on
renal dialysis, two patients had secondary hyperparathyroidism, five patients
were obese and two patients had former knee operations. These injuries
occurred in 80% following minor trauma caused by falls on stairs, on flat
surfaces and squatting. The most frequent symptoms were: pain, swelling, lack
of extension of knee and defect above patella, and three cases were initially
misdiagnosed. During the first 10 days after injury, acute and chronic
ruptures were reconstructed in 22 (73.3%) and 8 patients, respectively.
Conclusion. Quadriceps tendon injuries most often happen to male patients
with predisposing conditions in their fifth and sixth decade of life due to
trivial trauma. Patients on renal dialysis are the most vulnerable population
group.
Reinforcement with fascia lata as an alternative in the repair of chronic quadriceps tendon injuries
