Patellar & Quadriceps Tendon Tears
Serious knee injuries that affect strength, stability, and everyday movement
Tendon Tears Around the Knee
Patellar and quadriceps tendon tears are significant knee injuries that directly affect the ability to straighten the leg. These tendons connect powerful muscles in the thigh to the kneecap and lower leg. When torn, basic movements like standing up, walking, or climbing stairs can become difficult or impossible.
At Austin Orthopedic Institute, our team evaluates these injuries quickly and clearly. As orthopedic specialists in Austin, we treat both sudden sports injuries and injuries caused by strain or degeneration. Early evaluation plays a major role in outcomes, especially for complete tears.
How These Tendons Power Knee Extension
The quadriceps tendon connects the quadriceps muscles to the top of the kneecap. The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shinbone. Together, they form the knee’s extension system.
This system allows the leg to straighten, stabilize the knee during standing, and control movement during walking, running, or jumping. When either tendon is torn, the knee loses strength and control. The leg may buckle or fail to support body weight.
Common Causes of Tendon Tears
Sudden Jump or Landing
Explosive movements place intense force on the knee’s extension system. Jumping, sprinting, or landing from a height can trigger a powerful quadriceps contraction in a split second. If the tendon cannot handle that force, it may tear. These injuries are common in basketball, football, soccer, and other sports that involve quick direction changes or repeated jumping.
Falls or Direct Impact
A fall onto a bent knee can place sudden stress on the patellar or quadriceps tendon. Direct impact from a collision, slip, or misstep may drive force through the tendon while it is already under tension. This combination can lead to tearing, especially if the knee twists or collapses during the fall. Sports orthopedic doctors also see these injuries after workplace accidents or everyday falls.
Heavy Lifting
Lifting a heavy object can place abrupt strain on the knee, especially when standing up from a crouched or squatting position. The quadriceps muscles engage forcefully to straighten the leg, transferring stress through the tendon. If the load exceeds what the tendon can tolerate, tearing may occur.
Repetitive Stress
Ongoing stress can weaken the tendon long before a tear occurs. Repeated kneeling, squatting, running, or jumping may cause gradual wear within the tendon fibers. Over time, this reduces strength and flexibility, making the tendon more vulnerable during everyday movement.
Warning Signs of a Serious Injury
Tendon tears often cause immediate symptoms that should not be ignored. These may include:
Sudden pain above or below the kneecap
A popping or tearing sensation at the time of injury
Swelling around the knee
Inability to straighten the leg
Difficulty bearing weight
A visible gap near the kneecap in some cases
These signs often point to a complete tear and should be evaluated by a sports injury doctor as soon as possible.
Partial vs. Complete Tendon Tears
Partial Tears
Some tendon fibers remain intact. Patients may still straighten the leg but with pain and weakness. Non-surgical care may be considered depending on stability and activity level.
Complete Tears
The tendon is fully ruptured. The leg cannot straighten against gravity. Surgery is often recommended to reattach the tendon and support recovery.
Immediate Evaluation and Diagnosis
Early evaluation plays a major role in outcomes for tendon injuries. During your visit, the care team will review symptoms, assess knee movement, and examine strength and stability.
Imaging such as X-rays or MRI may be used to confirm the tear and rule out other damage. For many patients, a same-day orthopedic appointment helps move care forward without delay.
Austin Orthopedic Institute evaluates both acute sports injuries and non-sport injuries with the same focused approach. Our sports orthopedic doctors work with patients to map next steps based on injury severity and activity goals.
Meet Our Knee Pain Specialists
The surgeons at Austin Orthopedic Institute have treated thousands of knee injuries and conditions. They specialize in a patient-first approach, utilizing the latest techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery, to ensure precision and personalized outcomes.
Common Knee Pain Treatment Available at All Locations
Austin | Marble Falls | Georgetown | Killeen
Our experienced orthopedic providers at all Austin Orthopedic Institute locations can diagnose and treat many common knee and lower extremity conditions, including:
✓ Diagnostic Evaluation – Initial assessment and treatment planning for all knee and lower limb conditions.
✓ Surgical Planning – Comprehensive preoperative assessment and customized surgical mapping for patients requiring treatment.
✓ Joint Injections – Corticosteroid or viscosupplementation injections for pain and lubrication.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Before Your Visit
We encourage you to take advantage of our complimentary MRI, X-ray, and CT scan review service. Send us your images, and one of our board-certified orthopedic surgeons will personally review them, offering an expert second opinion and letting you know if you need to come in.
During Your Visit
Conservative Care – We develop a personalized plan, with most patients starting with 6-12 weeks of non-surgical treatment.
Surgical Planning – If surgery is necessary, we use advanced computerized and robotic pre-operative planning for optimal, precise outcomes.
Recovery Support – We ensure close follow-up and coordinate your rehabilitation with our in-house physical therapy team for maximum recovery and a swift return to your active life.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Don’t let chronic knee pain sideline your life any longer. At Austin Orthopedic Institute, we believe your injury is unique to you—and we treat it that way. Our expert, compassionate, and dedicated team is ready to diagnose your condition and develop a Personalized Treatment Plan that gets you moving again.
Why Choose Austin Orthopedic Institute for Knee Care?
✓ Robotic Knee Replacement Specialists – Access to cutting-edge technology (Mako® & AR) for superior precision
✓ 100% Fellowship-Trained Knee Surgeons – Advanced, subspecialty expertise you can trust
✓ Same-Day & Next-Day Appointments – When you’re in pain, we’re here to help quickly
✓ Over 130 Years of Combined Experience – Decades of proven orthopedic success in Central Texas
✓ Comprehensive Care, All Under One Roof – From initial diagnosis to surgery and in-house physical therapy
✓ Conservative Approach First – We exhaust non-surgical options before recommending surgery
✓ Four Convenient Locations – Austin, Marble Falls, Georgetown, and Killeen
✓ Complimentary Second Opinions – Free review of your existing MRI/X-ray/CT scans
Our Locations
Austin Orthopedic Institute has four locations – Austin, Georgetown, Marble Falls, and Killeen. All of our providers go to the main office in Austin and our Georgetown location. Only Dr. Hurt visits our Marble Falls satellite location and only Dr. Robin visits the Killeen satellite location.
Austin
Marble Falls
Georgetown
