The quadriceps tendon is the combined tendon of the four quadriceps heads (rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius) inserting on the superior patellar pole. It is the strongest tendon in the body by cross-sectional area.
Transmits the combined quadriceps force to the patella, is the superior segment of the extensor mechanism, and serves as an autograft donor for ACL and PCL reconstruction (quadriceps tendon graft).
Quadriceps tendon rupture is most common in patients over 60 with systemic disease (diabetes, renal failure, hyperparathyroidism, fluoroquinolone exposure). Repair is urgent — late repairs require graft augmentation. The quadriceps tendon graft (with or without a patellar bone plug) is used in ACL and PCL reconstruction.
Acute tendon disruption at the superior patellar pole producing loss of active extension, requiring urgent primary repair with drill hole fixation through the patella.
Central third quadriceps tendon graft (with or without patellar bone block) for ACL reconstruction, providing large graft diameter with lower donor site morbidity than BPTB.
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