13 weeks ago I had a complete rupture of my left patellar tendon, from the patella, which was repaired at a level 1 truama center.
I have no metal in my knee as they did the standard procedure (4 sections of tendon tunnelled through the patella, then sewn together at the top and bottom of the patella).
I have since progressed in my rehab to the point where I doing strength training for my quadracep and the muscles surrounding the knee and performing agility and balance training (think football style footwork drills for agility).
In 2 days I begin light running on the treadmill and I'm on track for a return to full duty (city police officer in patrol) in about 5 more weeks.
My recovery has gone well, slightly ahead of my therapist's anticipated timeline, but right in line with my personal goals.
I have general muscle fatigue in the muscle group(s) that I'm rehabbing the day after a therapy session, but no real pain (the occasional discomfort).
Does anyone on the board know what the "failure" rates for this type of injury? Have you been able to return to playing basketball? Soccer? Jogging?
I am preparing for my return to work by minimizing the risk of having the same circumstances occur. My injury happened during a foot pursuit after my "portable" (read 2.5 lb) radio became dislodged from my gun belt. The radio was being dragged along the sidewalk while still attached to my shoulder by the microphone clip.
The radio became wrapped around my left ankle and eventually cinched my left leg behind my body (think of a calf being tied up at the rodeo). I fell fwd with my knee projecting out and struck my knee on the sidewalk where the patellar tendon attached to the lower portion of the patella.
I am having small pockets sewn into the inside of my uniform pants which will hold removeable, thin but sturdy, knee pads. The knee pads are made by 5.11 equipment makers and are about 1/4 inch thick.
I believe that this will keep me from reinjuring my knee from simple tasks such as dropping to my knees to handcuff or scuffle with someone on pavement.
Anybody else go through this injury and have any information that you think would be useful to me, going forward, with my rehab?