Quadriceps Tendon Rupture Treatment in Dubai
The quadriceps tendon plays a vital role in your ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, and straighten your knee. When injured, a rupture or severe tendonitis can significantly impact mobility, causing pain, weakness, and — in complete tears — the inability to extend the knee.
If you’re experiencing persistent knee pain, tendonitis symptoms, or suspect a quadriceps tendon rupture, timely and expert assessment is essential for the best outcome.
Dr. Mohamed Elfekky, a leading orthopedic surgeon in Dubai specializing in complex knee injuries, provides advanced quadriceps tendon rupture treatment, tendon repair, and tendonitis care tailored to your unique condition.
Understanding the Quadriceps Tendon
The quadriceps tendon connects the powerful quadriceps muscles at the front of your thigh to the top of the patella (kneecap). Together, these structures enable knee extension — essential for walking, squatting, rising from a chair, and athletic movements.
Quadriceps Tendonitis vs. Tendon Rupture
- Quadriceps tendonitis: inflammation caused by overuse, strain, or weak/tight quadriceps muscles.
Quadriceps tendon rupture: a more severe injury involving a partial or complete tear of the tendon.
Overuse, sudden trauma, degenerative changes, and medical conditions can all weaken the tendon and increase the risk of rupture.
Common Causes of Quadriceps Tendon Injuries
Quadriceps tendon rupture can occur due to:
- Sudden heavy load on the knee during sports or fall
- Direct trauma to the front of the knee
- Chronic tendon degeneration in older adults
- Health conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
- Prolonged use of corticosteroids
Tendonitis, on the other hand, is often linked to repetitive stress from running, jumping, or squatting, particularly in those with tight or weak quadriceps muscles.
Symptoms to Watch For
Depending on severity, symptoms of quadriceps tendonitis or rupture may include:
A tearing or popping sensation at the front of the knee
Pain and swelling just above the kneecap
Difficulty walking or bearing weight
Inability to straighten the knee
A visible indentation above the kneecap (common in complete ruptures)
Early diagnosis and proper treatment is important to restore function and prevent long-term disability.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Understanding what is the reason behind knee pain begins with a detailed consultation. After taking a thorough medical history and essential details, a hands-on physical examination is done to evaluate how well the knee moves, whether there’s any weakness, and if there are signs of a tendon problem.
Imaging is recommended:
- X-rays help rule out fractures and can show if your kneecap is sitting lower than normal- a telltale sign of a torn quadriceps tendon.
- MRI scans for a detailed view of the soft tissues. They help determine whether the tendon is partially torn, fully ruptured, or simply inflamed due to overuse.
When a complete rupture is present, the kneecap often appears to have shifted down.
In quadriceps tendonitis or smaller tears, the MRI may show swelling or irritation around the tendon instead.
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Care
Not every tendon injury requires surgery. If you’re dealing with quadriceps tendonitis or a minor partial tear, a non-surgical approach may be enough to get you back on track. Treatment typically involves:
- Resting the knee and avoiding activities that strain the tendon
- Physiotherapy to restore flexibility and gradually build muscle strength
- Anti-inflammatory medicines to relieve pain and swelling
- Bracing or temporary immobilization to support healing
When Surgery Becomes Necessary
If the tendon is completely torn, surgery is usually the only way to fully restore function. Delaying repair can lead to long-term weakness and difficulty with everyday movements like walking or climbing stairs.
Dr. Mohamed Elfekky offers advanced surgical techniques designed to reattach the tendon securely and support long-term recovery with minimal downtime.
Surgical Repair of a Quadriceps Tendon Rupture
In most cases, surgical repair is recommended soon after the injury to achieve the best possible outcome. During the procedure, the torn quadriceps tendon is carefully reattached to the top of the kneecap.
Depending on the extent of the tear, the tendon is carefully reattached using strong surgical stitches, small anchors, or other fixation tools designed to hold it securely during healing.
Dr. Mohamed Elfekky performs minimally invasive procedures, which offer:
- Less trauma to the surrounding tissues
- A quicker and more comfortable recovery
- Precise tendon alignment for better long-term knee function
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery after surgical repair is a structured process that involves:
- Immobilization with a brace or cast for several weeks
- Gradual weight-bearing under guidance
- Physical therapy for regaining strength
Most patients return to normal walking within 3–4 months, while complete recovery, including sports activity, may take up to 6 months depending on individual factors.
Why Choose Dr. Mohamed Elfekky?
Dr. Mohamed Elfekky, director at Tarabichi and a specialist in advanced knee surgery, integrates a specialized method to manage pain during the operation itself. Using his personally developed open cryoablation technique, he carefully targets pain nerves while performing the procedure.
This helps reduce the need for strong painkillers and is a key element of his enhanced recovery program, reflecting his focus on safer techniques and smoother post-surgical outcomes.
He brings extensive experience in managing complex tendon and knee injuries. As a trusted name in Dubai’s orthopedic community, he offers:
- Personalized care plans
- Precision-driven surgical techniques
- Focused rehabilitation protocols
- Compassionate patient support from diagnosis through recovery
Whether you’re a recreational athlete or someone struggling with daily mobility, he ensures that your quadriceps tendon rupture treatment is both effective and minimally disruptive to your life.
Don’t Delay Treatment — Get Expert Help Today
A torn quadriceps tendon won’t heal on its own and the longer you wait, the more difficult recovery becomes.
If you’re looking for quadriceps tendon rupture treatment in Dubai, Dr. Mohamed Elfekky offers advanced surgical care backed by years of expertise in knee injury management.
Regain strength. Restore movement. Return to life.
Book your appointment now and take the first step toward a pain-free future.
Serving patients across Dubai and the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to repair a quadriceps tendon in Dubai?
Quadriceps tendon repair surgery in Dubai typically starts from AED 18,000. The final price depends on factors such as the severity of the tear, whether surgical or conservative treatment is chosen, hospital fees, and the complexity of the case. A consultation with Dr. Mohamed Elfekky is the best way to receive an accurate, personalized estimate.
2. What is the treatment for a ruptured quadriceps tendon?
- Partial tears are often treated without surgery using rest, immobilization (brace or splint), and physiotherapy.
- Complete ruptures usually require surgical reattachment of the tendon to the kneecap. Early intervention typically leads to better long-term outcomes.
3. How long is the recovery from quadriceps tendon surgery?
Recovery takes approximately 4 to 6 months, although a full return to pre-injury strength may take up to 12 months. With proper rehabilitation, most patients regain nearly full knee motion by 6 months.
4. How painful is a quadriceps tendon rupture?
It is severely painful, often described as a sharp, intense pain accompanied by swelling, bruising, and loss of the ability to extend or bear weight on the leg. Postoperative pain is also significant initially but is managed with appropriate medications.
5. When can I start walking without crutches after surgery?
Patients typically use crutches and a brace for about 4–6 weeks. Gradual weight-bearing begins under guidance during physical therapy, depending on healing and surgeon evaluation.
6. When can I remove the knee brace or cast?
Brace or cast immobilization is generally maintained for 4 to 6 weeks. After that, your rehabilitation plan will include progressive unlocking of the brace and active motion exercises. Full removal depends on healing progress.
7. What does postoperative rehabilitation involve?
Rehabilitation includes:
- Isometric exercises to activate the quadriceps early
- Controlled range-of-motion exercises
- Progressive strengthening and flexibility training
- Functional movement and return-to-activity planning
The goal is to restore at least 85–90% strength compared to the uninjured leg.
8. Can I return to sports or high-impact activities?
Yes, most patients return to regular physical activity or sports between 6 to 9 months post-surgery. Clearance depends on factors like strength symmetry, joint function, and a pain-free range of motion. High-performance athletes may need a longer and sport-specific rehab program.
9. What is the recovery time for a quadriceps tendon tear?
Recovery is usually 4–6 months, but full return to sports or labor-intensive work may take up to a year.
10. How long does quadriceps tendon surgery take?
The surgery typically lasts 1 to 2 hours, depending on complexity.
11. Can you walk with a torn quadriceps tendon?
Not effectively. A complete tear prevents knee extension, making it very difficult or impossible to walk.
12. Can you tear your quadriceps tendon?
Yes. These injuries often result from sudden force, direct trauma, or excessive strain during sports or falls, especially in older adults.
13. How do I know if I’ve torn my quadriceps tendon?
Symptoms include:
- Sudden, sharp pain above the kneecap
- Inability to straighten the knee or walk
- Swelling, bruising, and sometimes a visible gap in the tendon
14. How is quadriceps tendon pain treated if not fully torn?
Mild to moderate pain is often managed with:
- Rest and modification of activity
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physiotherapy
- In select cases, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections
