Patella Tendon Rupture
Post Rehab Goals and Objectives:
- Improve Knee Range of Motion
- Improve Quad Strength
- Improve Functional Capacity
Description
The patella-tendon rupture is usually seen in middle-aged males. The injury is usually due to a fall or trauma. The tendon may rupture in one of two places. The area just superior to the patella and the area just distal to the patella. The Patella tendon is dense connective tissue. Aging may make the tissue less elastic and less resilient. These two factors contribute to the rupture.
The rupture is totally debilitating and requires immediate surgical management. The surgical procedure simply reattaches the ends and immobilizes the extremity for 6-8 weeks. During the immobilization, there is significant loss of range of motion and atrophy. The knee is immobilized in full extension. The emphasis is on improving knee flexion.
There is significant atrophy, which affects the type 2 muscle fibers. The changes in type2 fibers results in loss of both strength and power. The loss of power is a major limiting factor in the return to functional activities. Special emphasis is on initially regaining strength and then power.