Simultaneous bilateral rupture of quadriceps tendons: analysis of risk factors and associations.

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture is an uncommon injury that is frequently misdiagnosed. It has been associated with multiple medical conditions including renal disease, rheumatologic disorders, and endocrine disorders.

METHODS: All reported cases of simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture were identified using MEDLINE. Each case was reviewed for information regarding the injury, and this information was analyzed.

RESULTS: There were 66 cases of simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture reported in the English-language literature. This review presents descriptive data on all the cases and analyzes the following factors surrounding rupture: age, sex, time before diagnosis, mechanism of injury, location of rupture, and associated chronic diseases. Most patients were treated surgically, followed by 4 to 6 weeks of immobilization, which resulted in a good outcome.

CONCLUSION: Numerous associations were found and are discussed in this review. Patients with quadriceps tendon rupture should be evaluated for an underlying chronic disease.