Quad and Patellar Tendon Repair

Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament with a tendon graft to stop recurrent kneecap dislocations and restore patellar stability.

MPFL Reconstruction

Surgical reattachment of a torn quadriceps or patellar tendon to the kneecap so the knee can straighten and bear weight again.

Quad and Patellar Tendon Repair

Realignment surgery through the tibia or femur, or repositioning of the tibial tubercle, to unload damaged cartilage, correct kneecap tracking and preserve the natural knee.

Knee Osteotomy

Repair or reconstruction of two or more torn knee ligaments, including the ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL and posterolateral corner, after high-energy injuries and knee dislocations.

Multi-Ligament Knee Reconstruction

Arthroscopic repair of a superior labral tear where the biceps tendon anchors to the shoulder socket, for deep shoulder pain, clicking and overhead symptoms.

SLAP Repair

Releasing the damaged long head of the biceps tendon from inside the shoulder and anchoring it to the upper arm bone to relieve front-of-shoulder pain while preserving biceps strength.

Biceps Tenodesis

Stabilization or ligament reconstruction of the acromioclavicular joint after a severe shoulder separation, when the collarbone will not stay in place on its own.

AC Joint Surgery

Treatment of collarbone fractures, from sling care to plate-and-screw fixation (ORIF) for displaced, shortened or slow-healing breaks.

Clavicle Fracture Repair

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Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

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Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330

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What it is

Quad and Patellar Tendon Repair

The quadriceps tendon connects the thigh muscles to the kneecap and the patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shin.

Together they straighten the knee. A complete rupture of either leaves the leg unable to extend.Repair reattaches the torn tendon to the kneecap with strong sutures and specialized fixation, sometimes reinforced with additional tissue or biologic augmentation when tendon quality is poor.

Performed by

Kevin Christensen, MD, Knee, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. ChristensenKnee, Shoulder and Sports Medicine

J. Ryan Taylor, MD, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. TaylorShoulder and Sports Medicine

Michael Carlson, MD, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. CarlsonShoulder and Sports Medicine

Jeffrey Wallentine, MD, Joint Replacement surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. WallentineJoint Replacement

Multi-Ligament Knee Reconstruction

or call801-640-0000

Quad and Patellar Tendon Repair

Who It Helps

Repair is for patients who have torn one of these tendons, usually in a fall, a sudden forceful movement or a sport.The signs are pain, swelling, weakness and difficulty straightening the knee or walking.Complete ruptures generally need surgery, and sooner is better: a tendon repaired within a couple of weeks is easier to restore than one that has retracted.

Quad and Patellar Tendon Repair

What to Expect

Surgery under general anesthesia, usually one to two hours.Through an incision over the injured tendon, your surgeon reattaches the torn tissue to the kneecap and tests the repair through a range of motion.Many patients go home the same day; some stay one night. A knee brace locked straight and crutches protect the repair during early healing.Tendon ruptures are time-sensitive; call the day it happens and we will see you within days at the Provo or Orem clinic. Dr. Christensen, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Carlson and Dr. Wallentine operate at Utah Valley Hospital and Spanish Fork Hospital.

Quad and Patellar Tendon Repair

Recovery Timeline

Six weeks in a brace locked in extension for walking, with motion restored gradually by protocol and crutches as needed.Weeks six to twelve add knee motion, active strengthening and normal walking as the tendon heals.Months three to four bring real gains in walking and daily function. Recreational activity returns at four to six months; running, jumping and sport may need six to nine months or longer.

Milestones

Week 0 to 6Brace locked straight

Week 6 to 12Motion and strengthening

Month 3 to 4Walking well, stairs

Month 6 to 9Running and sport

Quad and Patellar Tendon Repair

Risks and Considerations

Stiffness, persistent weakness, infection, blood clots, re-rupture and incomplete recovery of strength or motion are the main risks.Rehabilitation balances protecting the repair against restoring mobility. Some patients keep mild weakness or difficulty kneeling, with stairs or in high-demand activities, which your surgeon will discuss beforehand.

Quad and Patellar Tendon Repair

Your Surgeons

Dr. Christensen, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Carlson and Dr. Wallentine perform this procedure at Surgery Partners Provo, Spanish Fork Hospital, Central Utah Surgical Center, Timpanogos Regional Hospital, Mountain View Hospital and Intermountain Health Surgery Center Saratoga Springs.

Dr. Christensen, MD

Andrews Institute sports medicine fellowship under Dr. James Andrews. Board certified in orthopedic surgery and orthopedic sports medicine. Fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Taylor, MD

Dual fellowship trained in sports medicine and in shoulder and elbow surgery. Former Division I football player.

Dr. Carlson, MD

Arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip and ankle. Published sports medicine researcher. Fourteen years in practice.

Dr. Wallentine, MD

Thirty-four years in practice. Mako robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement. Stanford sports medicine fellowship. BYU athletics team surgeon.

Quad and Patellar Tendon Repair

Related Procedures and Conditions

Knee Arthroscopy

ACL Reconstruction

or call801-640-0000

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

TextSend a text

Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330