Non-Operative Rehabilitation of Isolated Popliteus Tendon Rupture in a Rugby Player
- Author:
Denis Pak Han KOONG
1
;
Vincent Vinh Gia AN
;
Peter LORENTZOS
;
Peter MOUSSA
;
Brahman Shankar SIVAKUMAR
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords: Knee; Popliteus tendon; Injury; Rehabilitation
- MeSH: Exercise; Football; Humans; Knee; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Physical Examination; Rehabilitation; Rupture; Seasons; Tendons; Young Adult
- From:The Journal of Korean Knee Society 2018;30(3):269-272
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Isolated rupture of the popliteus tendon is uncommon; instead, it is often seen as part of multi-ligamentous posterolateral corner injuries. In this report, we present a case of a 22-year-old professional rugby player who sustained a lateral blow to his semi-flexed knee in a tackle during a competitive game. A complete popliteus tendon rupture at its musculo-tendinous junction was diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging despite a relatively unremarkable physical examination. The aims of this report are to highlight the diagnostic challenges with this rare injury as physical signs are often subtle and non-specific. Furthermore, we demonstrate the viability of conservative management in the setting of a direct contact mechanism. Indeed, our patient was successfully treated with a specific rehabilitation protocol via isometric quadriceps contractions, gastrocnemius-soleus and hamstring strengthening exercises and graded activity with successful return to full contact activities at 4 weeks and regular season matches shortly after.
