Patellar Tendon Rupture-MRI

Young adult with history of  RTA shows complete tear of patellar tendon  midsubstance with involvement of retinacula ,  retraction of patella  with extensive haemorrhage and oedema of the soft tissues with involvement of hoffas  pad of fat. ACL  shows tear as associated finding. Case submitted by Mr Sahadev Gupta, Hariom, Dr Akshay & Dr  MGK Murthy

TEACHING POINTS

• Rectus femoris fibres continue down the anterior aspect of patella  as patellar tendon.
• Vastus lateralis continues as lateral and medialis continues as medial retinaculum and these are often involved in patellar tendon rupture.
• MRI is the modality of choice though high frequency USG would show acute tear as hypoechoic region in experienced hands.
•  Treatment is surgical repair as early as possible and preferably after 4-7 days to reduce the post surgical  infection due haematoma  before that 

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