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Quadriceps tendon rupture — MSRA MCQ

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ModerateKnee InjuriesQuadriceps tendon ruptureMSRA

A 48-year-old tennis player slips and feels a pop above the patella. He cannot perform a straight-leg raise and has a palpable suprapatellar gap with a high-riding patella absent on examination. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: B — Quadriceps tendon rupture

Inability to straight-leg raise after a pop with a palpable suprapatellar defect suggests quadriceps tendon rupture. This is an extensor mechanism injury requiring prompt recognition. Patellar tendon rupture usually produces a high-riding patella, whereas quadriceps rupture may show patella baja.

Reference: Brukner & Khan; NICE CKS