Simultaneous Bilateral Rupture of Patellar Tendons in a Young Man Without Predisposing Factors or Systemic Disease

Abstract

Bilateral patellar tendon (BPT) rupture is an exceedingly rare cause of extensor mechanism failure with many patients having predisposing factors such as systemic disease, steroid, or antibiotic use that increase the risk. Patients may present with an inability to extend the knee, diffuse pain and swelling, and a high riding patella on lateral radiographs. We present a case of a young man without predisposing factors or systemic disease who experienced a BPT rupture while playing sports.