Test yourself
Patellar tendon rupture: follow it to the tibial tubercle
5 questions. Pick an answer to see whether you are right and why. Your score appears at the end.
Question 1Where should the scan run to assess the patellar tendon?
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Answer c. Ruptures happen anywhere along the tendon, including at the bone at either end.
Question 2What does a complete rupture look like?
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Answer c. The fibres stop and fluid or haematoma fills the gap.
Question 3A dark area appears in the tendon, but the fibres brighten when you tilt the probe. What is it?
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Answer a. Darkness which disappears when you correct the angle is anisotropy.
Question 4Which clinical finding supports a complete rupture?
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Answer d. A complete rupture breaks the extensor mechanism.
Question 5What should happen after a complete rupture is found?
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Answer b. Complete ruptures are usually repaired early.
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Four or five delegates per instructor, FAMUS-accredited faculty and long, supervised time on the probe.
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