Abstract
IntroductionWe report a case of isolated, unilateral avulsion of the vastus lateralis tendon from its insertion at the patella. This was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging, and underwent successful surgical repair.Case presentationA healthy 32-year-old national level power lifter presented with an isolated avulsion of the vastus lateralis tendon. After a failed course of conservative therapy he underwent surgical repair and a graded physical therapy programme. One year later he returned to full training with no evidence of re-rupture.ConclusionThis is the first reported case of an isolated vastus lateralis avulsion. Our experience suggests that magnetic resonance imaging is invaluable in the diagnosis of this condition and that surgical repair provides a good outcome in high demand patients.
Highlights
Introduction: We report a case of isolated, unilateral avulsion of the vastus lateralis tendon from its insertion at the patella
Our experience suggests that magnetic resonance imaging is invaluable in the diagnosis of this condition and that surgical repair provides a good outcome in high demand patients
For an elite athlete this is a potentially debilitating condition and may be overlooked by clinicians because of the integrity of the vast proportion of the Quadriceps tendon. This case report raises awareness of this condition and indicates that surgical repair is successful in expediting recovery in high demand individuals
Summary
Quadriceps tendon rupture is a well recognized, debilitating condition, often requiring surgical intervention to restore normal knee function [1,2,3,4,5]. Cases Journal 2009, 2:7905 http://casesjournal.com/casesjournal/article/view/7905 regions but is most common at the osteotendinous junction [5] It usually manifests as a result of rapid eccentric contraction of the quadriceps, with a flexed knee and fixed foot, the mechanism of injury may be less severe in tendons with a more degenerate pre-existing ultrastructure [5]. Prior to attending our clinic, he had been managed non-operatively by his General Practitioner and a Physiotherapist, who had provided him with a knee brace for support He suffered continued pain and weakness, but denied any locking, giving way or instability. MRI demonstrated a complete and isolated avulsion of the vastus lateralis component of the quadriceps tendon in the osteotendinous region at its patella insertion (Figure 2). There was no evidence of decreased power or range of movement, and the repair appeared intact
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