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The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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Quadriceps Tendon Rupture (Torn Quad Tendon)

A complete tear of the quadriceps tendon above the kneecap, requiring urgent surgical repair. Learn about symptoms, surgery, and the 6-9 month recovery process.

πŸ“…Last reviewed: January 2026πŸ₯Bones & Joints

πŸ“–What is Quadriceps Tendon Rupture (Torn Quad Tendon)?

A complete tear of the quadriceps tendon above the kneecap, requiring urgent surgical repair. Learn about symptoms, surgery, and the 6-9 month recovery process.

πŸ”¬What Causes It?

  • Sudden forceful contraction of quadriceps (most common - landing from jump, missing a step downstairs)
  • Direct blow to partially flexed knee
  • Stumbling or trying to prevent a fall with sudden knee straightening
  • Stepping into a hole unexpectedly
  • Chronic tendon degeneration from repeated steroid injections
  • Underlying systemic disease (diabetes, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, gout)
  • Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (cipro) weaken tendons
  • Previous tendon injury or tendinopathy

⚠️Risk Factors

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You may be at higher risk if:

  • Age over 40 (peak incidence 50-60 years) - much older than patellar tendon ruptures
  • Male gender (ruptures 3-4 times more common in men)
  • Chronic kidney disease or dialysis (tendon weakening)
  • Long-term steroid use (oral or repeated injections)
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthritis
  • Gout or chronic kidney disease
  • Previous quadriceps tendinopathy or partial tears
  • Fluoroquinolone antibiotic use (ciprofloxacin)
  • Obesity
  • Anabolic steroid use
  • Sedentary lifestyle then sudden strenuous activity

πŸ›‘οΈPrevention

  • βœ“Manage chronic diseases (diabetes, kidney disease, gout)
  • βœ“Avoid repeated steroid injections around knee tendons
  • βœ“Discuss alternatives to fluoroquinolone antibiotics with GP if possible
  • βœ“Treat quadriceps tendinopathy early before it progresses
  • βœ“Maintain quadriceps strength with regular exercise
  • βœ“Weight management to reduce stress on tendons
  • βœ“Proper warm-up before strenuous activities, especially if over 50
  • βœ“Avoid sudden return to vigorous activity if sedentary
  • βœ“Use caution on stairs, uneven ground, and when landing from jumps if high risk