title: Answer to last month's radiology case and image: Bilateral patellar tendon rupture.
abstract: Patellar tendon rupture is a rare occurrence usually associated with chronic degeneration within the tendon, systemic illness, and fluoroquinolone therapy as mentioned previously. However in healthy adults, overweight men in their 3rd or 4th decade of life may be at increased risk when partaking in athletic activities, especially jumping activities. Patella alta is a key finding on physical exam and on radiographs as was evident in our case. Imaging can also be performed with ultrasound and MRI to confirm tendon rupture and rule out other concurrent injuries. Prompt surgical management and early rehabilitation are key to regaining normal function of the extensor mechanism. Preventive medicine education may be important for those at increased risk of injury.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA.
authors.forename: Ramon A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Riojas
authors.forename: Les
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Folio
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008887:Military Medicine; D008889:Military Personnel; D017847:Patellar Ligament / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D011859:Radiography; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D014481:United States; D014857:Warfare; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications*