title: Floating patella: combined quadriceps tendon, retinacula, and patellar tendon ruptures in a high-performance elite athlete.
abstract: Simultaneous quadriceps and patellar tendon rupture is rare. To our knowledge, we present the first known case of simultaneous quadriceps tendon, patella tendon, and retinacula rupture in the ipsilateral knee of a high-performance elite athlete. This disabling injury in the active person results in an inability to actively obtain and maintain full knee extension. When the tendons do not heal properly, at the correct length and tension, knee range of motion and strength can become significantly altered, leading to early fatigue, patellofemoral pain, and possibly instability, preventing return to preinjury status. Immediate surgical repair is recommended for optimal return of knee function and power.
authors.affiliation: Atlanta Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center, Atlanta, GA 30327, USA. langerpr@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Phillip R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Langer
authors.forename: F Harlan
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Selesnick
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D010329:Patella / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012421:Rupture; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology