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Quadriceps tendon tear (quadriceps tendon rupture) is a rare but serious injury that makes it difficult for your knee to work properly. It most often affects physically active people over age 40. Complete tears require surgery to repair torn muscle and restore knee function. In most cases, outcomes are good.
A quadriceps tendon tear (quadriceps tendon rupture) is a rare but serious injury that makes it difficult for your knee to work properly. Your quads are a group of muscles at the front of your thighs, and your quadriceps tendon connects those muscles to your knee joint. Together, the quadriceps muscles and tendon help you straighten your knee.
People who tear their quadriceps tendon typically require surgery to repair their torn muscle and restore knee function so they can stay active.
There are two main types of quadriceps tendon tears:
Anyone can experience a torn quadriceps tendon. It most often affects people assigned male at birth (AMAB) over age 40.
Athletes and adults aged 50 to 60 who are physically active are more likely than others to experience this type of injury. Certain activities and related sports may increase your risk, including:
Quadriceps tendon tears aren’t common. They occur in about 1 in 100,000 people.
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Quadriceps tendon tears typically occur when your knee bends under a heavy load. For instance, if you twist your knee or land awkwardly after jumping, the force is too much for your tendon.
You can also tear your quadriceps tendon when you fall or try to prevent a fall. Direct force (trauma or a cut) to the front of the knee can cause a tear, as well.
In some cases, quadriceps tendon tears occur in people with joint or tendon weakness. This may be due to underlying health conditions, such as:
Other risk factors associated with muscle and tendon weakness include:
When you rupture your quadriceps tendon, you may feel a popping or tearing sensation in the front of your thigh. If the tear is complete, you can’t straighten your knee.
You may have difficulty walking if your knee buckles or gives out. You also can’t perform a straight leg raise. Other symptoms include:
Prompt diagnosis is important for effective treatment of a quadriceps tendon tear. Rarely, long-term complications include:
A healthcare provider diagnoses a quadriceps tendon rupture with a physical exam. They may check to see if you can extend or straighten your knee.
The provider may recommend additional tests to determine the exact location and severity of your injury, including:
Partial quadriceps tears may heal on their own with proper treatment. Complete tendon tears typically require surgery. You also receive rehabilitation and physical therapy to strengthen your tendon and help it work properly again.
Treatment for a torn quadriceps tendon depends on the severity of the tear, your age and activity level. You may receive nonsurgical treatment, surgery or both.
Nonsurgical treatment may include:
If you need surgery, your surgeon uses a wire, cables or sutures (stitches) to repair your tendon and hold your kneecap in place. People who require surgery have better results if a surgeon does the repair soon after the injury.
Early repair can prevent scars from developing. It may also keep your tendon from growing tighter and shorter, which can limit your mobility. Your provider may recommend additional procedures if more than a month has passed after your injury.
Muscle tightness, weakness or fatigue (tiredness) can increase your risk of developing a quadriceps tendon tear. To help reduce your chance of injury:
Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for any medical conditions you have that may lead to tendon or muscle weakness. Your provider can recommend ways to help you prevent injury and avoid complications.
The length of time it takes for a torn quadriceps tendon to heal depends on the type of tear and its severity. A partial tear can take several months to heal. A complete quadriceps tendon tear generally takes four to six months to heal. Many people find that it takes up to a year to reach their activity goals.
People who receive the right treatment for quadriceps tendon tears typically have good outcomes. Most people regain full range of motion and strength.
Rehabilitation is important to help strengthen your tendon and improve mobility so you can return to the activities you enjoy. Pain and swelling decrease over time while your quadriceps function improves.
If you participate in competitive sports, talk to your healthcare provider about when you can return to play after a quadriceps tendon tear. They can help you find ways to prevent reinjury and avoid complications.
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience intense pain, swelling or numbness in your leg. If you’re injured during a sports activity, don’t try to “play through your pain.” Seek immediate care to prevent further injury and avoid complications.
Quadriceps muscles are skeletal muscles made up of bundles of fibers. Muscle strain occurs when your body pulls these fibers and they stretch farther than they should. Tears happen when the stretched fibers begin to break.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
A quadriceps tendon tear is a rare but serious injury that often requires surgical treatment. It can be an especially frustrating condition if you enjoy an active lifestyle or playing sports. Prompt diagnosis and effective treatment can help you avoid being sidelined for longer than necessary. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to reduce your risk of injury so you can stay active.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/05/2023.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy