Primary repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures. Results of treatment.

Results of primary repair of 19 quadriceps tendon ruptures in 19 patients were studied. Average patient age was 47.4 years. Predisposition to the site of tear according to age was noted. Seventy-five percent (nine of 12) of patients older than 40 years of age had ruptures at the tendon-bone junction, and 71% (five of seven) of patients younger than 40 years had ruptures at the midtendinous area. Repair for injuries in the midtendon-musculotendinous junction consisted of debridement, freshening of the edges, and reapproximation. Ruptures in the tendon-bone junction required suturing through three to four holes drilled through the proximal pole of the patella. Postoperatively, patients were immobilized for six weeks. Excellent results were noted in all 17 patients who had early repair and good results in two patients who had delayed repair. Patient age, gender, mechanism of injury, site of rupture, and type of repair did not affect the outcome of treatment.