Ruptured Quadriceps Tendon

[AdamGott]

Veteran quad tendon rupture guy checking in! I ruptured my right quad tendon about five years ago and was back to work in three months. Second time around and lots of issues (one being that I am now 52). I tore my tendon while on vacation, couldn't have it repaired until twelve days later (the first time I had it done in four days). I am now at 13 weeks and seem to be pretty stuck at ~95 degrees ROM. I had the dreaded manipulation procedure done at week 12 and doctor manager to get to 110 but was shooting for 120. He also removed some scar tissue. I was stuck at 90 degrees before the manipulation so it did help a little I guess but my quadriceps muscles were really store and are still swelling when used.

Should I be worried? To me it seems that my doctor is worrying about my limited ROM which is now making me worry.

I do PT twice a week and go the gym for a light workout on the other five days. My muscles are slowly returning.

The PT seems to have become a bit medieval as they are now pushing me deep into the pain zone to try and get more flexion.

[AdamGott]

Can anyone tell me if the straps on the adjustable knee brace causes any indentations on their quadricep? There is a slight depression above my knee cap. My quadricep muscle is very atrophied from the injury and is like mush, I want to make sure it's plausible that the strap could do that. I am on my second surgery this year, so my quadricep is very weak. Thank you

Yes, happens to me all of the time. I have to tighten the straps so much or the brace just slowly slides down my leg while I am walking.

[Stuart Rulka]

Not so much a reply as a general question. Was diagnosed yesterday with a thrombosed aneurysm of the Popliteal artery behind my right knee. It has been 61/2 years since I ruptured my right quad tendon, and even though both my Vascular Specialist, and my own rational mind, says there is no connection, I have to ask if anybody else has had this experience?Probably nowhere else is such a large sample of RQT victims available, of whom to ask this question. John?

[davmac5]

My Story:
About 5 and 1/2 weeks ago, I took a spill down my basement steps, top to bottom. In the process of the fall I reflexively attempted to stop my fall by catching myself with my legs. My left leg caught a stair about half way down and the force of my fall vs. my legs ability to stop it caused a complete rupture of my quad tendon. Fortunately, there was no other damage. (broken neck/back, etc...) We went to the local ER and then the next day to the ortho/knee surgeon. Two days later, I had surgery to effect repairs. Knee hurt for several days following, as expected. I'm using a brace to keep the knee in full extension while walking with no pain. I began physical therapy last week with nominal passive ROM movements and some very simple isometric flexing of my thigh. Five weeks on I have between 80 - 90 ° flexibility and am doing a little more with the quad muscle in an attempt to keep the atrophy to a minimum. I find the hardest part of my situation as just having the patience to be calm and let it heal. My fear is pushing it too much and causing a set back. My question for others who have passed through a similar injury/situation is how long will it take before I can actually bear walking weight on my leg? I'm seeing information that tells me anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks (post-op) before I can expect to be able to use it again. Is this a good approximation? Can I hope to be back on my feet without the brace in another six or seven weeks?

[Jlguthrie]

Hey davmac5, sorry to hear of your injury. I had a full rupture in 2018. Your progress is light years ahead of my recovery. Per my ortho I was on crutches non weight bearing for 12 weeks. My r.o.m. Was also very slow, did not achieve full range until about 4-5 months. After the 12 weeks my leg was a twig from the atrophy so it took about 6 months of daily exercise to get back to walking somewhat normally. It sounds like your ortho has a more aggressive protocol which will probably serve you better in the long run. Use caution on declines and going down steps, I’m over 2.5 years into this and the leg is still a tad weak when doing those. It’s a bitch of an injury that takes time and a lot of work overcome, but it sounds like your doing great.

[davmac5]

12 week update on the status of my recovery: I have full ROM and am walking (slowly but, surely) on my repaired tendon. General aches and light swelling after PT. I attend PT twice a week for an hour with about 6 - 8 exercises and 10 minutes of electronic stimulation at the end. I also perform about 20 minutes of exercises at home, one day per week. I see the surgeon for my 12 week post-op visit tomorrow am am going to request clearance to return to work. From my personal experience, I'm going with, let this thing heal for at least 4 to 6 weeks before trying any strength training. Let the tendon reconnect before placing it under stress. The loss of muscle through atrophy is disappointing but, that will eventually be regained. Follow your doctor's advice and your PT's protocols. Elevate and ice when necessary. Be patient but, not lazy regarding your recovery. I'm 63 years young and not about to surrender the physical life I enjoy just yet. Peace, love and understanding.

[John42]

Hi Folks 

I suggest that you buy purchase from Lidl from 3/1/21
a floor cycle £14.99   -    I used one many years ago - just sit
in your favourite chair and pedal away.

New Year Greetings to one and all - JohnK4221