The patella tendon connects the knee cap ( patella) to the shin bone (tibia). It serves to stabilize the knee and allows the quadriceps muscle group to straighten the leg.
The patella tendon is prone to rupturing in individuals with a history of patella tendon injury such as jumper’s knee or osteoarthritis. Injuries of this type weaken the patella tendon and in the event of strong contraction of the quadriceps such as landing from jump, the patella tendon may tear or rupture.
Corticosteroid injections given to address the inflammation seen in patella tendon injuries are also known to predispose the individual to ruptures. At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic patella tendon inflammation and pain has been successfully treated with prolotherapy . This therapy does not predispose patients to patella tendon rupture.
Patella tendon repair most commonly involves surgery. Following surgery rehabilitation for patella tendon repair normally involves little or no weight-bearing on the affected knee and wearing a knee brace or cast prevent the knee from bending. This may be required for more than 6 weeks.
Rehabilitation from a patella tendon repair is extremely slow and it may take between 6 and 12 months before the patient is able to return to sports.
Patient now have the option to utilize their own stem cells to regenerate knees in the tendon and forgo surgery through Regenexx. Repair of torn tendons has already been achieved through this unique technique. See our patient testimonials on the success of using stem therapy for the repair of tendons.
