aetiology

Last reviewed 01/2018

The aetiology of patellar tendon rupture may vary according to the age:
  • in younger patients - usually  caused by  significant trauma or cumulative microtrauma
  • in older patients - often associated with degenerative changes associated with aging (1)
The following factors have been implicated as contributors for rupture of the tendon:
  • injury  - laceration and direct blows
  • chronic diseases
  • local Corticosteroid Injections
  • complication of knee surgery - total knee arthroplasty, a late complication of a tibial nail, removal of the central third of the tendon for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
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