DNV GL/NIAHO Accredited facility.Dallas and Richardson, TX Knee Tendon Repair
Advanced Knee Tendon Repair Surgery at Eminent Medical Center
Patients from across Dallas and the surrounding areas trust Eminent Medical Center to treat patellar or quadriceps tendon injuries. Our state-of-the-art facility houses all of the resources we need to offer prompt, personalized care, including knee tendon repair. We have our own pharmacy, lab, and five operating suites.
While some tendon issues resolve with conservative care and rehabilitation, surgery is necessary for the most severe injuries. Eminent Medical Center offers multiple treatment options. We carefully evaluate patients with knee pain, weakness, swelling, and trouble straightening their leg. During knee surgery in Dallas and Richardson, we use cutting-edge technology and techniques to operate with incredible precision.
No matter the care you need, our team is committed to the highest standards of service and performance. To book an appointment with our Dallas and Richardson knee doctors, call (469) 910-8800 or contact us online.
What Are The Tendons in Your Knee?
Tendons connect muscles to bones and play an important role in joint movement and stability. In the knee joint, the patellar tendon and quadriceps tendon are part of your knee’s extensor mechanism. Injuries to either tendon can lead to difficulty walking, climbing stairs, standing, and extending the knee, as well as other complications.
Patellar Tendon
The patellar tendon runs from the bottom of the kneecap, or patella, to the top of the shin bone, or tibia. It connects bone to bone, which technically makes it a ligament. However, it is referred to as a tendon because it is an extension of the quadriceps tendon. Your patellar tendon works with quadriceps muscles in your thigh to straighten your knee. When placed under strain, this tendon can become irritated, weakened, strained, or torn.
Quadriceps Tendon
Quadriceps tendons connect your thigh muscles to the top of your patella. It helps you extend your knee, making it crucial for everyday movements. You use this tendon when walking, running, standing, and doing other similar activities. Injury to the quadriceps tendon often causes pain above the kneecap and weakness in the affected leg.
Common Knee Tendon Injuries
Some knee tendon injuries develop gradually over time, such as overuse or arthritis-related injuries. Other times, these injuries result from traumatic events. You may injure your knee tendons during falls, while playing sports, or due to forceful movement.
Our knee doctors in Dallas and Richardson provide personalized care for a wide range of injuries. Through careful evaluation, we’ll diagnose your injury, then help you consider appropriate treatment options.
Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper's Knee)
Repeated jumping, running, squatting, and similar stress can lead to patellar tendinitis. Athletes who play basketball, volleyball, and other sports that involve jumping are particularly vulnerable to this injury. Common symptoms include pain and tenderness below the kneecap.
When left untreated, irritation can easily progress into chronic tendon damage. Our Richardson sports medicine doctors help athletes explore both non-surgical and surgical treatments.
Quadriceps Tendinitis
Symptoms of quadriceps tendinitis include:
- Pain in the anterior knee above the kneecap
- Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after physical activity
- Inflammation or thickening of the tendon
Common contributing factors to this injury include repetitive activity, overuse, and strain.
Tendinopathy in Patellar or Quadriceps Tendon
Generally, tendinopathy refers to long-term chronic issues. It typically involves tendon degradation rather than a sudden tear. This damage gradually occurs due to repeated stress, poor healing or previous wear, and ongoing overuse. Persistent pain and weakness are common symptoms. Injured individuals may also experience reduced performance during certain activities.
Partial or Complete Quadriceps Tendon Tear
Partial tears in the quadriceps tendon only affect some of the tendon fibers, while complete tendon ruptures separate the tendon fully. Susceptibility to this injury is higher for males and people aged forty and over.
Tears can cause pain above the kneecap, swelling, bruising, and trouble straightening the knee. Complete tears may significantly affect leg function and often require surgical treatment.
Quadriceps Tendon Strain and Patellar Tendon Strain
Strain occurs when tendon fibers are overstretched or mildly damaged. Sudden movement, awkward landings, direct trauma, or increased activity can strain the quadriceps or patellar tendon. As a result, individuals may experience pain, swelling, and temporary weakness.
Although strain can be relatively mild, it is still important to allow the injury to heal. You can treat some strains with home care, with full recovery possible within a few weeks in the best cases. Consult with a professional knee doctor in Richardson if you notice symptoms have worsened.
Partial or Complete Patellar Tendon Tear
Patellar tendon tears most often occur in men in their 30s and 40s. According to the National Library of Medicine, this often occurs due to tendon weakness combined with high tensile loads.
Individuals with partial tears often experience pain and weakness while still being able to move their knee some. A completely torn patellar tendon can make it difficult or impossible to actively straighten the knee. Symptoms of complete tears include popping sensations, swelling, bruising, and pain below the kneecap.
Diagnosing Quadriceps and Patellar Tendon Injuries at Eminent Medical Center
The Texas knee specialists at Eminent Medical Center take the following steps to diagnose knee-related issues:
- Physical examination of the affected knee
- Review of your symptoms and medical history
- Evaluation of knee strength and range of motion
- Imaging tests, such as X-rays and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), to help identify tears and rule out related injuries.
This diagnostic process helps our team determine whether non-surgical treatment or tendon repair may be appropriate for each patient.
When Is Knee Tendon Repair Recommended?
Surgical repair is often recommended for patients with complete tears, major weakness, or loss of active knee extension. Doctors also begin considering surgery when injuries do not respond to non-surgical treatment. The best option will depend on which tendon is involved, injury severity, patient activity level, and overall health.
Early surgical intervention typically yields better outcomes than delayed repairs. Doctors may perform knee tendon repair as an outpatient procedure or require patients to stay for overnight observation. Before the operation, you’ll be given either regional or general anesthesia to block pain.
Patellar Tendon Repair Surgery
The goal of patellar tendon repair surgery is to reconnect the torn tendon below the knee cap. Your Richardson knee surgeon may drill small bone tunnels, through which they’ll thread sutures to secure the repaired tendon. As an alternative to sutures, anchors allow doctors to complete reattachment without the need to drill holes in the patella. Using an autograft or allograft may be necessary for severe or chronic tears.
Quadriceps Tendon Repair Surgery
During this surgical procedure, Texas knee surgeons aim to restore strength and your ability to straighten your leg. Your medical team will thread strong sutures through the tendon. Then, they reattach it either through small holes in the bone or anchors. The most appropriate surgical approach depends on the location, severity, and timing of the tear.
Recovery After Quadriceps or Patellar Tendon Surgery
If you undergo surgery on an outpatient basis, you’ll be able to go home the same day. Otherwise, you may need to stay at the medical facility for a short period. Either way, our team offers guidance tailored to your needs following surgery. We’ll book follow-up appointments as needed and assist with pain management in Richardson, TX.
Early during your recovery process, you should immobilize the joint with a knee brace. Your doctor will likely recommend activity restrictions and using crutches. You will gradually return to regular movement and weight bearing.
Physical therapy plays a critical role in restoring full knee function. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises such as ankle pumps or straight-leg raises. In addition to increasing muscle and tendon strength, this helps to rebuild your range of motion, balance, and walking ability.
Recovery outcomes and timelines vary based on the injury, type of repair, and individual healing progress. The aim is for the previously injured leg to become approximately 85-90% as strong as the uninjured leg. Typically, recovery from knee tendon repair takes 6 to 12 months of rehabilitation.
Patient Testimonials
Eminent Medical Center strives for the highest quality healthcare and is measured by the satisfaction of our patients overall experience.
Contact Eminent Medical Center To Schedule an Appointment Today
The sooner you seek help for knee pain, weakness, swelling, or trouble straightening your leg, the better. Trust our Richardson, TX orthopedic surgeons to evaluate your knee and provide the appropriate treatment.
Eminent Medical Center is known as a world-class facility that offers top-notch service and care. Patients praise our staff as patient, comforting, and uplifting. We take the time to listen to your physical, emotional, and personal concerns before tailoring our care to your needs. Don’t wait to discuss diagnosis, treatment options, and knee tendon repair surgery with a professional. Call our team at (469) 910-8800 or contact us online.