Rupture of the quadriceps tendon

SummaryA five-month-old, male, 16 kg, mixed breed dog was presented for an acute non-weight bearing lameness of the right hind limb. A subtotal avulsion of the quadriceps tendon at its patellar insertion was diagnosed through radiography and ultrasonography. Two nylon sutures secured with a stainless steel crimp were placed in a locking loop pattern in the quadriceps tendon and through a transverse 2.7 mm drill-hole in the patella. No external coaptation was used postoperatively. A full functional recovery was observed, and was followed for one year postoperatively. Quadriceps tendon rupture has not been described in the veterinary literature to our knowledge; in humans, quadriceps tendon rupture is a well known entity, often due to systemic disease resulting in weakening of the tendinous structures. In the case presented herein, the dog’s history, young age and location, without underlying biochemical abnormalities, led us to believe that the observed lesion was of traumatic origin. The surgical treatment performed was based on that performed in humans and also that which has been investigated experimentally in the dog.