A torn tendon below the kneecap after a crash
An orthopedic knee surgeon and a physical therapist on patellar tendon tears
A sudden, forceful bend of the knee or a direct blow can tear the patellar tendon. This tendon links your kneecap to your shinbone. It allows your thigh muscle to straighten your knee. After a tear, the knee may swell and hurt just below the kneecap. With a complete tear, people often can’t lift the leg out straight or hold the knee straight against gravity. Losing that ability is a telling clue, even if the pain feels like a bad bruise. [1]
Pin down the diagnosis
Tell your doctor if the knee buckled, you heard a pop or you can’t straighten it on your own. Ask if the tear is partial or complete, and what the exam and images showed. X rays can show where the kneecap sits. An MRI or ultrasound may give a clearer look at the tendon. A complete tear often needs surgery, while smaller partial tears may be treated in a brace. Which type you have changes the plan. [1]
Guard the repair while you rebuild strength
Ask whether the brace has to stay locked straight when you walk and sleep. Ask the same about moving from one surface to another, like bed to chair. Find out how much weight the leg can take and when bending exercises start. [1]
After surgery, rehab moves forward in stages, protecting the repair as motion and strength return. Until your surgeon’s plan allows it, don’t release the brace lock or force a deep bend. Hold off on testing a straight leg raise, too. A therapist can teach you to handle stairs and get in and out of a car safely. [1]
Speak up about problems early
Call your team if the brace slips, the wound drains or you get a fever. Call too about any new loss of the ability to straighten your knee. Get urgent care for a cold or pale foot, or for new pain and swelling in your calf. Call emergency services for chest pain or sudden shortness of breath. [1, 2]
Questions about the tear and your brace
- Is my tear partial or complete?
- When can I bend my knee and stop keeping the brace locked?
- How will therapy move forward without straining the repair?
Get your brace setting and start date in writing
Ask the team to note your brace position on your discharge plan. Have them add the date your first exercises begin. [1]
Sources and further reading
- 1American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons patellar tendon tear
- 2NHS pulmonary embolism and leg clot symptoms
These notes offer general education from orthopedic knee surgery and physical therapy. A complete tear often needs to be repaired soon. Follow the plan written for your injury on bracing, movement and weight bearing.
Keep learning
Safe Driving Resource Center
Guides, self-checks and articles for drivers, parents of new drivers, and families recovering after a crash.
