How are tendon ruptures described and treated?

Both the quadriceps and patellar tendons may rupture partially or completely. A quadriceps tendon rupture typically occurs in recreational athletes older than 40 years, and a patellar tendon rupture typically occurs in younger people who have had previous tendonitis or steroid injections to the knee. Rupture of either the quadriceps or patellar tendon causes pain (especially when trying to kick or extend the knee). Those people with complete ruptures are unable to extend the knee. The patella is also often out of place either upward (with patellar tendon rupture) or downward (with quadriceps tendon rupture). Tendon ruptures require urgent care. They typically need surgical repair, while a partial rupture may be treated with splinting alone.