Tendon lengthening repair and early mobilization in treatment of neglected bilateral simultaneous traumatic rupture of the quadriceps tendon.

Abstract

Bilateral simultaneous traumatic rupture of the quadriceps tendon is a rare injury that is most frequently seen in elderly patients with predisposing diseases such as gout, hyperparathyroidism and diabetes. Delay in diagnosis is not uncommon. One of the main problems in treatment is loss of motion, especially flexion, after surgical repair. We report a case that was diagnosed 5 months after the trauma and was treated by Scuderi's tendon lengthening technique. Range-of-motion exercises were started early without using the generally recommended 4-6 weeks of immobilization in plaster cylinder or knee brace. Five years of follow-up showed full range of motion in both knees with sound tendons. Stable fixation makes starting early motion and accelerated rehabilitation feasible and thus the most common complication, loss of motion, is prevented.