Best Doctor for Patellar Tendon Repair

The patellar tendon is the tissue that attaches the bottom of the kneecap to the top of the tibia. Together with quadriceps muscles and quadriceps tendon, the patellar tendon helps to straighten your knee during your day-to-day movements. 

What is a Patellar Tendon Tear?

There are three different types of patellar tendon injuries:

1. Patellar Tendonitis: Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon that can result in small microtears in the tissue. This condition drastically weakens the patellar tendon and can often result in a patellar tendon tear further down the line.

2. Partial Patellar Tendon Tear: This is a tear to the patellar tendon that does not completely rupture the soft tissue. Instead, only a few fibers in the tendon tissue are torn.

3. Complete Patellar Tendon Rupture: A total tear of the patellar tendon will completely rupture the tissue. If this tear is a result of tendonitis, it will usually occur in the middle of the tendon.

Patellar tendon tears are the result of a strong, forceful impact - usually a direct fall onto the knee or landing badly after a jump. Meanwhile, patellar tendonitis is typically an overuse injury seen in athletes whose sports involve jumping and running.

Symptoms of a Patellar Tendon Injury

Like an ACL tear, many people who rupture their patellar tendon experience a "popping" sensation. Other symptoms include:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Tenderness

• Bruising

• Kneecap Deformity

• Instability

• Difficulty Straightening the Knee

The symptoms of patellar tendonitis are typically pain while exercising as well as swelling and tenderness around the kneecap. 

Because the symptoms of a patellar tendon tear are so similar to an ACL or meniscus injury, it's important to have your knee examined by an orthopaedic physician who specializes in patellar tendon injuries. A proper diagnosis will ensure that you can get the treatment you need to get back on your feet!

Diagnosing Kneecap Pain

As the leading expert in patellar tendon tears, Dr. Sterett can quickly and accurately diagnose your kneecap pain. He and his team and Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery will diagnose your knee injury through the following steps:

• Taking your medical history

• Physical exam

• Imaging tests

After Dr. Sterett knows the size of the patellar tendon tear and your physical activity level, he will work with you to recommend a course of treatment that's best for you and your lifestyle.

How Do You Treat a Patellar Tendon Tear?

If the patellar tendon is only partially torn or shows signs of tendonitis, Dr. Sterett may recommend nonsurgical treatment. This could include any or all of the following strategies:

• Icing

• Anti-inflammatory medication

• Bracing to immobilize the kneecap

• Physical therapy

Surgery for a patellar tendon tear is sometimes needed to restore normal knee function - especially in the case of a complete patellar tendon tear. Patellar tendon surgery involves reattaching the torn tendon to the kneecap or reattaching the two ends of the severed tendon. This surgery is performed on an outpatient basis.

Recovery from a torn patellar tendon can take anywhere from six months to a year. 

The Best Doctor for Repairing a Torn Patellar Tendon

If you are suffering from a torn patellar tendon, it's critical to find expert treatment to ensure your knee will regain its proper function. For over 30 years, Dr. Sterett has been the go-to expert in patellar tendon injuries in the Vail Valley. 

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sterett, contact his office at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery. Call (970) 476-7220 or complete the online appointment request form today!