Summary
A five-month-old, male, 16 kg, mixed breed dog was presented for an acute non-weight
bearing lameness of the right hind limb. A subtotal avulsion of the quadriceps tendon
at its patellar insertion was diagnosed through radiography and ultrasonography. Two
nylon sutures secured with a stainless steel crimp were placed in a locking loop pattern
in the quadriceps tendon and through a transverse 2.7 mm drill-hole in the patella.
No external coaptation was used postoperatively. A full functional recovery was observed,
and was followed for one year postoperatively. Quadriceps tendon rupture has not been
described in the veterinary literature to our knowledge; in humans, quadriceps tendon
rupture is a well known entity, often due to systemic disease resulting in weakening
of the tendinous structures. In the case presented herein, the dog’s history, young
age and location, without underlying biochemical abnormalities, led us to believe
that the observed lesion was of traumatic origin. The surgical treatment performed
was based on that performed in humans and also that which has been investigated experimentally
in the dog.
Keywords
Quadriceps tendon - rupture - ultrasonography - knee - surgery