Patellar (Knee) and Quadriceps (Thigh)

Injuries to the petellar and quadriceps tendons are very common in sports. Coast Spine and Sports Medicine offers comprehensive treatment for tendon injuries to restore normal function and ease pain. We serve men and women in Orange County, Los Angeles County and Inland Empire, and the surrounding communities.

What Are Patellar and Quadriceps Injuries?

One of the most common forms of sports injuries affect the quadriceps and patellas, especially the tendons. The patella bone or kneecap is a protective shield that protects the knee joint and soft tissues and it’s embedded in the quadricep and patellar tendons. The patella can be injured by impact to the front of the kneecap or traction injuries to the tendon attachments.

What Is Patellar Instability and Malalignment?

Patellar (Knee) and Quadriceps (Thigh)Patellar instability refers to injuries that happen when the patella is displaced from its resting place. This can happen due to a traumatic dislocation during sports or regular activities. When the patella does not stay in the femur groove, it can cause subluxations—when the patella slips somewhat out of the trochlea—and dislocations, an injury to the soft tissue when the patella is pulled fully out of place and forced back in place. The bone will also dislocate outward and tear or stretch the ligament on the inside.

Patella malalignment syndrome can feel like the kneecap is dislocating or slipping out of its normal groove.

How Much Does Patellar and Quadriceps Treatment Cost in Orange County?

The cost of treating patella and quadricep tendon injuries and chronic sports injuries depends on many factors, including the type and extent of the injury. During your first appointment at Coast Spine and Sports Medicine, we will develop a comprehensive treatment option and review the cost of your treatment. We accept many types of insurance and financing through CareCredit ®.

What Are Common Patellar and Quadricep Injuries?

The patella and associated tendons and ligaments are vulnerable to injury, especially during sports like football and skiing that involve uncontrolled deceleration and sports like basketball that involve jumping.

Common sports injuries affecting the patella and quadricep tendons include:

  • Patellar tendonitis, an injury to the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. Known as jumper’s knee, this injury is common among volleyball and basketball athletes.
  • Patellar dislocation, an injury that happens when the patella slips out of position.
  • Quadriceps tendonitis, or inflammation of the quadriceps tendon and muscle caused by overuse or malalignment of the knee.
  • Knee ligament injuries. The knee has four major ligaments that hold the patella in place and provide joint stability: the ACL, LCL, PCL, and MCL. The ACL is one of the most commonly damaged knee ligaments.

How Are Patellar and Quadriceps Injuries Treated in Orange County?

In some cases, injuries to the quadricep and patella can be treated well with non-surgical solutions including physical therapy, bracing, and rest. Steroid injections may be used to ease inflammation and pain.

Injuries that do not respond well to conservative treatment may require surgery.

Quadriceps tendonitis treatment that isn’t improved by bracing and orthotics can be treated with quadriceps tendon repair surgery. During this procedure, damaged tissue will be removed and the tendon will be surgically repaired.

Patellar tendon surgery may be required in the case of a large tear of the patellar tendon. When the tendon is fully torn, it separates from the patella and the knee cannot be straightened without reattachment.

Chronic patellar tendonitis sometimes requires surgical treatment. Patellar tendonitis surgery may involve removal or debridement of damaged or dead soft tissue around the tendon. You may benefit from this treatment if you have torn the main body of the patellar tendon.

Patellar dislocation surgery is typically recommended after several patellar dislocations or severe malalignment. There are many surgeries that can restabilize the knee such as:

Lateral release to cut the retinalculum outside the knee joint

Medical imbrication to tighten tissue on the inner knee

Bone realignment

MPFL repair which repairs the MPFL, the ligament that is usually torn when the patella dislocates.

All types of surgery will require physical therapy afterward to regain strength and range of motion of the knee.

If you have suffered an injury to the knee, including patellar dislocation or quadricep tendonitis, call us today to schedule an appointment at Coast Spine and Sports Medicine. We offer tailored treatment plans designed to address the underlying damage to your knee to deliver significant pain relief and restore mobility, range of motion, and strength. We welcome patients in Los Angeles County and Orange County, including the communities of Downey, Rancho Cucamonga, and Santa Ana, CA.