Quadriceps Tendon Tear

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.

What are the types of quadriceps tendon tears?

There are two main types of quadriceps tendon tears:

• Partial tear: Your tendon has stretched but not fully torn.
• Complete tear: Your tissue splits into two pieces, and your muscle is no longer attached to your kneecap.

Who gets 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:

• Jumping.
• Kicking.
• Running.
• Stretching.

How common are quadriceps tendon tears?

Quadriceps tendon tears aren’t common. They occur in about 1 in 100,000 people.