Quadriceps tendon

In human anatomy, the quadriceps tendon, also known as the patellar tendon, allows the quadriceps femoris muscles (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius)[1] to converge on the superior aspects of the patella on the anterior of the thigh, which continues as the patellar ligament. A tendon connects muscle to bone, while a ligament connects bone to bone. The quadriceps tendon works with the quadriceps to extend the leg.


Injuries are common to this tendon, with tears, either partial or complete, being the most common. If the quadriceps tendon is completely torn, surgery will be required to regain function of the knee.[2] Without the quadriceps tendon, the knee cannot extend. Often, when the tendon is completely torn, part of the kneecap bone will break off with the tendon as well.[2] It can rupture resulting in quadriceps tendon rupture.[3]

It has been studied in the analysis of patellofemoral pain syndrome.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Saladin, Kenneth S. Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function. 6th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2012. Print.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Patellar Tendon Tear." OrthoInfo - AAOS. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Aug. 2009. Web. 07 Dec. 2014.
  3. ↑ Jolles BM, Garofalo R, Gillain L, Schizas C (April 2007). "A new clinical test in diagnosing quadriceps tendon rupture". Ann R Coll Surg Engl 89 (3): 259–61. doi:10.1308/003588407X179044. PMC 1964733. PMID 17394710.
  4. ↑ Wilson NA, Press JM, Zhang LQ (August 2009). "In vivo strain of the medial vs. lateral quadriceps tendon in patellofemoral pain syndrome". J. Appl. Physiol. 107 (2): 422–8. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00024.2009. PMC 2724320. PMID 19541742.