Case Reports
Isolated Vastus Lateralis Tendon Avulsion
Am J Orthop. 2013 October;42(10):464-465
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Jonathan M. Frank, MD, Matthew D. Riedel, BA, Frank M. McCormick, MD, and Shane J. Nho, MD
Isolated avulsion of the vastus lateralis tendon is a very rare injury. To our knowledge, only 1 case has been reported in the literature. This tendon is crucial to knee stability and proper patellofemoral tracking. As isolated avulsion of the tendon tends to occur in young, active males, early surgical repair is recommended to allow them to maintain a high level of functional ability.
We present the case of a 49-year-old man who sustained an isolated vastus lateralis tendon avulsion injury. The injury was successfully treated with suture anchor repair.