A quadriceps tendon tear is injury to the tendon above the kneecap, often causing weakness and difficulty straightening the knee.
Symptoms often include sudden pain above the kneecap, swelling, bruising, a popping sensation, and difficulty walking or straightening the knee.
Imaging helps confirm whether the tendon is partially or completely torn, shows how much it has pulled back, and helps plan treatment.
Ultrasound and MRI can help show whether the tendon is partially or completely torn and how far the fibers have retracted.
Partial tears may be treated conservatively, while complete tears often require orthopedic repair and rehabilitation.
This entry explains the finding. The next step is having a radiologist interpret your specific scan, not a general definition.
