Simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture: A case report and subject review

• Published in: The Journal of emergency medicine Vol. 5; no. 6; pp. 481 - 485
• Main Authors: Stephens, Brian O., Anderson, Gail V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.11.1987; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; chronic renal failure; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Humans; Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary - complications; Kidney Failure, Chronic - complications; Knee Injuries - diagnostic imaging; Male; Medical sciences; Miscellaneous. Osteoarticular involvement in other diseases; Radiography; simultaneous bilateral quadriceps rupture; Tendon Injuries; tendon rupture; simultaneous bilateral quadriceps rupture; tendon rupture; chronic renal failure; Human; Chronic; Urinary system disease; Concurrent; Renal failure; Tissue rupture; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Quadriceps muscle; Bilateral; Tendon
• ISSN: 0736-4679; 2352-5029
• DOI: 10.1016/0736-4679(87)90210-1

Both unilateral and simultaneous bilateral rupture of the quadriceps tendon are frequently misdiagnosed. Patients typically present to the emergency department after a fall associated with sudden sharp pain and inability to extend the knee. Most frequently, the patient is elderly. Those under age 40 with bilateral quadriceps rupture usually have an associated metabolic disorder. The 22-year-old uremic patient we report is the youngest case with simultaneous bilateral rupture of the quadriceps tendon described in the English literature. Emphasis is placed on the initial clinical presentation and management. In addition, the pathophysiology and differential diagnosis are reviewed.