Complete subcutaneous rupture of the patellar tendon: Epidemiological and treatment problems in athletes

E. Verni, F. Catani, R. Beluzzi, G. Del Prete, L. Prosperi, and R. Buda: Complete subcutaneous rupture of the patellar tendon: epidemiological and treatment problems in athletes. J. Sports Traumatol. rel. res. 19: 38, 1997. An account is given of 14 cases of patellar tendon rupture observed in 10 years with a minimum follow-up of 18 months. All athletes were treated with the same surgical technique. In addition to providing temporary protection for the tendon suture, cerclage is a sound means of securing the correct position of the patella. The results show that resumption of sport is a more selective criterion than modem clinical and instrumental investigations. The common epidemiological denominator was eccentric pliometric power training. In the absence of controlled scientific data concerning this form of functional overuse, careful selection and periodic monitoring is required of athletes whose explosive force is to be increased through previous stretching of a muscle.