RUPTURED PATELLAR TENDON

[FINFAN3DP]

I fell down three steps and ruptured my patellar tendon. My injury occurred 12/14/06, my surgery was 12/18/06 and they discharged me from the hospital on 12/19/06. 1/3/07 at the docs he said to do quad flex's 30 times twice a day and 10 heel toe points every hour. Next appointment on 1/18/07 I get the x-ray like usual then go into the exam room. He comes in, takes off my brace, throws it on the counter and then tells me to lay down. (i truly think he told me to lay down so I couldn't punch him when he did what he did next.) Next he grabs my knee cap and starts yanking it side to side and massaging my knee very roughly. He tells my wife she has to do this twice a day, ten to fifteen times and then pick up my knee so it bends a little 3 to 5 times. He then told me I couldn't have my brace back and sent us home with a script for Physical Therapy. I guess my question is, it has only been 4.5 weeks since my surgery and now i can't have the brace? Fast forward to today 1/31, only 6 weeks since surgery.  Doc had me put my leg off the edge of the table then proceeded to push down on it little by little until I was literally crying.  I'm a 39 year old big guy that doesn't cry. I'm really concerned that this guy is too agressive and he is going to rerupture it.  I'm a 350lb guy and I really don't want to have to go this surgery again.  Should I start looking for another doc?

[Gold15]

Hello.  I saw your post while researching people with bilateral patella tendon ruptures.  I recently went through surgery almost 4 weeks ago with the same injury.  Would like to know how you progressed through your injury?
I stay very active and coach many of my kids sports, so this has been a tough one.
Thanks

[plaaplaa]

Hello everyone.  Had complete rupture of patella tendon and had surgery 3 years ago this March and I'm still having issues with my knee popping when I do exercises like leg extensions or squats.  Had anyone experienced these same issues and if so how long before it goes away?

[JJRock]

So I'm not alone that's good to hear.  I've been at 45* for the past 3 weeks now.  My PT doesn't want to do any thing too drastic until I've past my 3 month mark. When I asked my Dr about manipulation surgery he said that they prefer not to do that for fear breaking any bones.  After reading the blogs/posts on the net it seems very common for folks that are suffering from stiff knee to have this type of procedure.

I am hoping I don't have to go under the knife again, I'm still not back at work yet. Hopefully like you said If I keep bending and moving it, it will loosen up. Fingers crossed.

Happy to hear your doing much better.

[gsa07]

i was less than 90* after 3 months, and had to get another surgery where they poked two holes in my knee and cleaned out scar tissue, then forced bent my knee when i was under.
when i came out, my knee could go 130*.
that was 4 years ago, and i'm still self rehabbing it weekly.

the good news is, it progresses every month.  it's still getting stronger and more flexible.

my therapist compared it to breaking wire with your hands.  you have to keep bending and moving it, until it finally looses up.

[JJRock]

Hi all,

I ruptured my patella tendon on May 25/15. Had surgery 9 days later.  Was in an immobilzer for the first 3 weeks then placed in a hinged brace. Doctor had be locked at 0 for 4 weeks post op.

My Doc said that this was a pretty bad tear. He advised that he didn't want me to do any PT until 3 months to allow for the tendon to fully heal. I made an apt with him at around the 8 week mark as I was only at 30 Degrees ROM. He finally cleared me for PT which I began last week Fri. I am at 45 degrees now at at the 11 week mark.  After reading these posts I feel like I am behind and not progressing as well as I should.

This type of injury can really get you down but I am trying my best to stay positive.  This website is very helpful. Reading all of the other posts really put things in perspective for me. Like one person said on here this could be far worst!

@ RecoveryMode101...youth is on your side for sure but it also just depends on your body. I love sports, enjoy working out so I know what your going through. I'm pushing doing all kind of exercises but I am still only at 45 degrees.  It will come though just gotta keep at it. I'm still walking with my brace but you may be different all depends.

[RecoveryMode101]

Hi All,

Finding this site has been very encouraging. I tore my patellar tendon in my right knee playing basketball on 7/17. Went to the basket full speed and jump stopped and all of sudden felt like someone took a sledge hammer to my knee. After the injury it was apparent the knee cap was dislocated. I was rushed to the ER and upon review it revealed that I had torn patellar tendon. I had surgery the following Monday (7/21)

I am  27 years old and a former college athlete and was training hard for an Iron Man in October so experiencing this injury has been very discouraging. It is nice to read all of your stories of recovery and draw inspirations from them.

I have my appointment 8/11 (which will be week 3) to withdraw my staples etc. I am already able to walk (with the brace looked at 0) confidently and the last few days started to do calf raises and leg raises (with the brace on locked of course :))

I was wondering how many weeks it took for people to be comfortable to walk without the brace. Additionally, is there any younger athletes on here on who done an accelerated program? I am trying to respect the injury but for someone who lives sports and fitness it is really hard to laid up