What is Patellar Tendon Repair?

Patellar Tendon Repair, or PTR, is the surgery to restore knee functioning after a torn patellar tendon. The surgery is done to reattach the torn tendon to the kneecap and to restore normal function in the affected leg.

What are Patellar Tendon Rupture injuries?

A patellar tendon rupture is the rupture of the tendon that connects the patella (kneecap) to the top portion of the tibia (shinbone). When the patellar tendon tears, the patella may lose its support; as a result, when the quadriceps muscle contracts, the patella may move up into the thigh. In addition to this, you may experience pain, swelling, tenderness, a tearing or popping sensation, bruising and cramping.

A patellar tendon rupture is a tear in the patellar tendon. This can be a partial tear or a complete tear. A complete tear is when it is torn into two pieces. It can also be called a patellar tendon avulsion.

What are the treatments for Patellar Tendon Rupture?

Non-Surgical Treatment

Patellar tendon rupture is the most common musculoskeletal injury of the knee. It can be treated by non-surgical and surgical methods. Non-surgical treatment involves the use of braces or splints to immobilize the knee. Physical therapy may be recommended to restore the strength and increase the range of motion of the knee.

Surgical Treatment

The goal of this procedure is to reattach the torn tendon to the kneecap and to restore normal function in the affected leg. The surgery is performed under regional or general anaesthesia, an incision is made on the front of the knee and holes are made in the patella. Strong sutures are tied to the tendon, thread them through these holes and then pulled back to their normal position on the kneecap.

Serious injury or defects can cause the patellar tendon to become too short for use. Your surgeon may attach a graft of tissue from donor (called an allograft) to lengthen the tendon, allowing it become useful once again.

What are the risks and complication?

As with any surgery, the patellar tendon graft repair may experience complications.

Complications during or after surgery may include infection, blood clot, weakness, loss of motion, detachment from the kneecap or re-tears.

Recovery after Patellar Tendon Repair

After surgery, your surgeon may want you to wear a brace. The length of time it takes for your tendon to heal depends on how hard you work at your recovery. If you're diligent about following your doctor's instructions, you can be back to normal in about 6 months.