AJSM Webinar Series - September 2021: Patellar Tendon Repair-Incidence and Risk Factors of Acute Patellar Tendon Rupture, Repair Failure, and Return to Activity in the Active-Duty Military Population

Incidence and Risk Factors of Acute Patellar Tendon Rupture, Repair Failure, and Return to Activity in the Active-Duty Military Population

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Pdf Summary

Patellar tendon ruptures are relatively rare injuries that disrupt the extensor mechanism of the knee, usually necessitating surgical repair. However, there is limited information on the incidence and risk factors for these injuries in the active-duty military population. This study aimed to determine the incidence of patellar tendon rupture in the Military Health System (MHS) population and analyze demographic patterns, surgical fixation methods, and rerupture rates.<br /><br />The study found that the incidence of patellar tendon rupture in the active-duty military population was higher than previously reported in the general civilian population, with an overall incidence of 6 per 100,000 person-years. The highest risk factors for rupture were male sex, Black race, and the age group of 35 to 44 years. Most of the repairs used bone tunnels for fixation, and the revision rate was low at 3%. The majority of patients (75.8%) were able to return to their previous level of activity without limitations.<br /><br />The findings suggest that patellar tendon rupture is more common in the active-duty military population, particularly among men, Black servicemembers, and those in the age range of 35 to 44 years. The study also highlights the low rerupture rate and the high rate of return to activity in this population. These findings can help guide patient counseling and education regarding recovery and rehabilitation after patellar tendon repair.

Keywords

patellar tendon rupture

extensor mechanism

surgical repair

incidence

risk factors

active-duty military population

bone tunnels

revision rate

return to activity

recovery