Search 33,000+ CME courses
Back

StatPearls, LLC

  • Acute Pain
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
  • Rupture
  • Tendinopathy

Patellar Tendon Rupture

Patellar tendon rupture is a relatively uncommon but functionally disabling disruption of the knee extensor mechanism, typically occurring at the junction between the inferior patellar pole and tibial tubercle. The condition most often affects men aged 30 to 40 and arises when structurally compromised tendons are subjected to sudden high tensile loads. Predisposing factors include chronic tendinopathy, systemic conditions such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease, and exposure to corticosteroids or fluoroquinolones. The pathophysiology involves loss of continuity of the extensor apparatus, resulting in impaired knee extension and extensor lag. Clinical presentation includes acute pain, swelling, palpable gap, inability to extend the knee actively, and difficulty ambulating. Diagnosis relies on history and physical examination, supported by imaging studies, including ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, to confirm tendon disruption and rule out intraarticular injury. Management typically involves acute primary repair or, in chronic cases, reconstructive techniques with possible augmentation. Complications may include rerupture, stiffness, or persistent weakness. Prognosis depends on the timeliness of repair, the quality of reconstruction, and adherence to postoperative rehabilitation. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to sharpen learners’ skills in evaluating and managing patellar tendon rupture. Participants will deepen their understanding of the condition’s etiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and best diagnostic and therapeutic practices. Greater competence will empower clinicians to collaborate successfully with interprofessional teams caring for affected individuals.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABOS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABPMR — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABPMR — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 9 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

Related courses

See all

Other providers’ courses on the same topic

More from StatPearls, LLC

See all

This provider’s courses closest to this one