Information About Quadriceps Surgery
Quadriceps surgery may be necessary in the cases where there is a rupture of the quadriceps tendon. This is not something that happens very often and when it does, it is usually with people over the age of 40. When there is a rupture, often the person will already have had problems with a degenerative disease of the joint around the knee.
Often a rupture of this tendon is a disabling injury that will require quadriceps surgery in order to repair the damage. The cause of this type of injury is usually associated with having too heavy of a load on the legs, or jumping and landing too hard on the feet, which will put extensive pressure on the legs. A rupture may also be caused by a fall that results in injury of the leg, or with direct pressure on that area of the leg.
If you have weak tendons, you will be more at risk for injury to the quadriceps. Inflammation will weaken this tendon and may lead to small tears that can turn into a full rupture. If you have a disease that interrupts the blood supply to the tendons, this can also caused weakness.
If a tear in the quadriceps tendon occurs, you may experience symptoms that include a popping sound, as well as pain and swelling. Some additional symptoms that you might experience include an indentation in the kneecap, bruising, cramping, difficulty walking, or you might be unable to bend your knee.
To diagnose a tear in the tendon and determine if quadriceps surgery is necessary your doctor will get your medical history, examine the knee, plus he or she may order imaging tests of the knee and tendons.
Treatment for a torn tendon will depend on the size of the tear, as well as your age and normal level of activity. If the tear is not too bad, your doctor may order treatment that includes immobilizing the leg for a period of 3 to 5 weeks. It will help the tendon to heal if it isn’t being used. After you have healed to a certain extend your doctor will probably want you to go into physical therapy. With physical therapy exercises it is possible to regain range of motion and strengthen the tendon.
If there is a complete tear of the tendon you will likely require quadriceps surgery. The sooner the surgery is done after injury, the better the outlook for recovery. The procedure involves reattaching the torn tendon so that it can heal. Although the procedure can be done on an outpatient basis, in most cases your doctor will want to admit you to the hospital and have you stay at least one day after the surgery is done.
Some of the complications associated with quadriceps surgery include loss of motion, and tendon weakness. Additional complications of this surgery are risk of infection, blood clots, or wound breakdown. Of course there are also risks associated with the anesthesia as well.
After you have recovered from the quadriceps surgery you will need physical therapy in order to regain normal use of your knee. For complete recovery it could take anywhere from 4 months to a year.
When completely recovered most people are able to return to their previous occupations and lifestyles, though there may be some tenderness and weakness that lingers for quite some time. For athletes, the return to normal activity may take longer and be more difficult.
Due to the fact that the sooner this surgery is performed the better your chance of recovery, it is best to see your doctor right away if you suspect a torn tendon.