Specializing in Quadriceps Repair and Patellar Tendon Tear Surgery

Award-Winning Orthopedic Services in Orange County

Surgery for Quadriceps Tendon Ruptures and Patellar Tendon Tears

Once your knee surgeon has determined through imaging that the patellar tendon is severely torn or ruptured, he or she will likely recommend surgery to repair this important mechanism in your leg.

Complete patellar tendon and complete quadriceps tendon ruptures require surgical intervention, because without repair, patients will be unable to extend the leg or support themselves when walking. Partial patellar tendon tears and quadriceps tendon tears may be treated conservatively if patients continue to have the ability to extend the leg.

Quadriceps repairs (also known as Quadriceps tendon surgery) and patellar tendon surgery are routinely performed on an outpatient basis using a small open incision. The knee surgeon will use high strength permanent sutures which are sewn into the tendon and then fixed to the patella via bone tunnels or anchors (Figures 1 and 2). Surgery typically takes 1-2 hours to complete.

What does Recovery from Surgery Look Like?

After surgery for a Quadriceps Tendon or Patellar Tendon Rupture, patients will be placed in a brace and be prescribed physical therapy. Patients are able to walk on the leg right away, but will have limitations on the amount of knee flexion for 1-2 months. Full recovery and return to sport is expected by 6 months post-surgery for the Surgery for a Quadriceps Tendon / Patellar Tendon Rupture.

Figure 1: Patellar Tendon Repair (White arrow = patellar tendon, Black arrow = patella)

Figure 2: Quadriceps Tendon Repair (White arrow = quadriceps tendon, Black arrow = patella)

Find a Knee Surgeon

If you have a patellar tendon tear or a quadriceps tendon tear or rupture our board certified, fellowship-trained knee surgeons are experts at performing minimally invasive quadriceps repair or patellar tendon tear surgery to get you back to you.

Hoag Orthopedic Institute is ranked as one of the top Orthopedic Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report in 2022-2023. Contact Hoag Orthopedic Institute today to schedule a consultation with one of our knee doctors.

Find a knee surgeon that performs quadriceps repair or patellar tendon tear surgery. ​
Call us at (949) 705-6493.

Find a Knee Surgeon