What should you know about patellar tendon rupture ultrasound?

The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shinbone and helps straighten the knee. With a rupture, ultrasound may show disrupted fibres, a space between torn ends, swelling, or blood and fluid around the tendon. The examiner may compare both knees and watch the tendon while the knee is gently moved. A scan finding is interpreted alongside pain, bruising, weakness, and whether you can actively straighten the knee; it does not replace that assessment.

Avoid forceful bending, jumping, running, or trying to test the knee repeatedly. Keep the leg supported as advised and use crutches if a clinician has prescribed them. Arrange prompt orthopaedic review so the injury can be classified and a treatment plan made. Some complete tears need tendon repair, followed by a protected rehabilitation programme; smaller or partial injuries may be managed differently.

Seek urgent medical assessment after a sudden knee injury if you cannot straighten the knee, the kneecap appears unusually high, swelling is rapidly increasing, or the leg cannot safely bear weight. Numbness, a cold or pale foot, severe unrelenting pain, or an open wound also needs immediate attention. Do not drive yourself if the leg cannot control the pedals.

Ask whether the ultrasound shows a partial or complete tear, whether another scan is needed, and how much weight the leg may take. Clarify the position of any brace, exercises to avoid, expected review timing, and what milestones will guide a return to work, sport, or normal stairs.