Rates and Risk Factors for Quadriceps and Patellar Tendon Repair Failure: A Single Institution Case Series

Quadriceps and patellar tendon ruptures are rare but serious injuries that can severely disrupt function and quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rates and risk factors for failed quadriceps and patellar tendon repairs. A retrospective review of 78 patients undergoing surgical repair for quadriceps or patellar tendon rupture from March 2014 to December 2020 was performed. Univariate statistics were used to evaluate differences between groups. Approximately 10.3% of cases returned to the operating room, and 6.4% required revision repair for rerupture of the quadriceps or patellar tendon. Notable trends toward increased risk for rerupture included a history of prior knee surgery (odds ratio [OR] = 6.286, p = 0.065) and quadriceps tendon rupture (OR = 6.321, p = 0.055), although statistical significance was not achieved. Although not statistically significant, previous knee surgery and quadriceps tendon rupture appear to increase the risk of rerupture after primary tendon repair. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 33(4):212-215, 2024)

Key words: quadriceps tendon repair, patellar tendon repair, rerupture, risk factor, extensor mechanism