Atraumatic bilateral patellar tendon rupture in a patient receiving steroid therapy

Abstract

Atraumatic bilateral patellar tendon rupture is a rare entity. It is usually due to systemic or local disorders causing tendon degeneration. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are crucial for recovery of knee functions. Atraumatic bilateral patellar tendon rupture was diagnosed in a 31-year-old female patient who had been receiving steroid therapy for seven years due to systemic lupus erythematosus. She underwent patellar tendon reconstruction with the use of semitendinosus and gracilis tendons. After a follow-up of six months, she could walk without crutches and had a full range of motion.