This 1996 narrative review by Matava synthesizes the anatomy, biomechanics, pathophysiology, diagnosis, surgical technique, and rehabilitation of patellar tendon ruptures — addressing the core question of what causes these injuries and how timing of repair influences outcome.
When a patient presents after a forceful knee-flexion load with an extensor lag and high-riding patella, treat as a patellar tendon rupture until proven otherwise and get them to the OR promptly — Siwek and Rao's data make clear that even a delay beyond two weeks meaningfully degrades the chance of an excellent result.
In patients with systemic disease, renal failure, lupus, or a history of peri-tendinous steroid injections, be alert for rupture during surprisingly low-energy activities and counsel them that bilateral injury is possible.
This 1996 narrative review by Matava synthesizes the anatomy, biomechanics, pathophysiology, diagnosis, surgical technique, and rehabilitation of patellar tendon ruptures — addressing the core question of what causes these injuries and how timing of repair influences outcome.
When a patient presents after a forceful knee-flexion load with an extensor lag and high-riding patella, treat as a patellar tendon rupture until proven otherwise and get them to the OR promptly — Siwek and Rao's data make clear that even a delay beyond two weeks meaningfully degrades the chance of an excellent result.
In patients with systemic disease, renal failure, lupus, or a history of peri-tendinous steroid injections, be alert for rupture during surprisingly low-energy activities and counsel them that bilateral injury is possible.