title: [Damage to large tendons: Achilles, patellar and quadriceps tendons].
abstract: The etiology and mechanisms of Achilles, patellar and quadriceps tendon ruptures are very similar. Age dependent changes in tendon structure and disorders such gout, diabetes, rheumatic diseases and chronic renal failure are associated causes. The main mechanism of rupture is indirect trauma. Although clinical diagnosis is easy, ruptures are still frequently missed. Sonography is the main standard diagnostic tool. MRI is indicated only in special cases. Open operative repair is the most common treatment for quadriceps and patellar tendon ruptures. Treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures is moving towards an individualized choice of therapy. Percutaneous and other "minimally invasive" techniques will play an increasingly important role.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Unfall- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, Fetscherstrasse 74, Dresden. Michael.Amlang@uniklinikum-dresden.de
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Amlang
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zwipp
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000293:injuries*; D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000209:etiology; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D017847:Patellar Ligament / Q000293:injuries*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D052097:Quadriceps Muscle / Q000293:injuries*; D011859:Radiography; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012421:Rupture; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014945:Wound Healing