DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjs.2026.v12i09.011

Pages: 795-799

Patellar tendon rupture is rare in children and adolescents. In this age group, traumatic injuries of the knee extensor mechanism more commonly involve tibial tubercle avulsion fractures or patellar sleeve fractures than isolated tendon ruptures, and open ruptures caused by penetrating trauma are particularly uncommon. We report the case of an 11-year-old boy who sustained an open injury to the left knee after falling onto a glass object with the knee flexed. Clinical examination revealed an 8-cm transverse infrapatellar wound over the tibial tubercle, exposure of the anterior tibial cortex, and complete inability to actively extend the knee. Plain radiographs showed no fracture but demonstrated patella alta on the lateral view. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed a large infrapatellar soft-tissue defect with soft-tissue air and multiple radiopaque foreign bodies consistent with glass fragments. Emergency surgical exploration, performed after removal of the glass fragments and thorough irrigation, revealed a complete rupture of the patellar tendon at its distal third, approximately 2 cm proximal to its insertion on the tibial tubercle, associated with a tear of the lateral patellar retinaculum. Primary tendon repair was performed with three Krackow sutures using absorbable Vicryl 2, after patellar realignment under fluoroscopic guidance, followed by repair of the lateral retinaculum reinforced with simple sutures. Postoperative management included amoxicillin-clavulanic acid for 15 days and immobilization in a windowed long-leg cast with the knee in extension for eight weeks to allow local wound care, followed by progressive supervised rehabilitation. At follow-up, the patient had recovered near-full knee range of motion (0-160°) with a stable, functional joint. Open patellar tendon rupture in children is extremely rare. Prompt recognition, early surgical repair, adequate debridement, and structured rehabilitation are essential to restore extensor mechanism function