Patellar Tendon Rupture in Identical Twins

Abstract

We report on identical traumatic injuries in a pair of monozygotic (identical) twins treated at the same unit, one year apart. Both had sustained a complete tear of the patellar tendon and were treated surgically.

Quadriceps and Patellar Tendon Ruptures

“…A report on the spontaneous rupture of the patellar tendon in identical twins supports the concept of the existence of genetic predisposing factors of extensor mechanism ruptures. 4,5 Iatrogenic conditions that may alter the local properties of the extensor mechanism include sports-related causes such as obtaining the middle third of the patellar tendon for ligament reconstruction, 6 release of the lateral retinaculum, 7 patellar dislocations, 8 local corticosteroid injections 1 and the use of anabolics, 9 and others less related to sports medicine such as total knee arthroplasty. 10 Although quadriceps tendon ruptures tend to occur in older patients without necessarily degenerative histologic changes 11 or in those with systemic disease, or degenerative changes, patellar tendon rupture or avulsion is more common in patients less than 40 years old 12,13 with high-energy direct impact mechanism, overuse mechanism in athletes, or in uncommon cases of knee dislocation.…”