Total Quadriceps Tendon Rupture rehab....

[Eric308]

I had a bad fall on the ice on 2/14 and sustained the above injury. In layman's terms I tore the large tendon completely off the kneecap. Worst injury of my life. The surgeons reattached the tendon by drilling holes in the kneecap and using some fancy suture material. Anyway, I'm in a full length leg immobilizer and just started doing passive PT last week. Typical rehab duration to 100% is about one year. Any of you all had experience with this injury? I'm really concerned about getting back to rowing. The Docs and PT's don't know anything about the Concept2. I hadn't been going back to a full leg bend anyway since I had a total knee replacement five years ago....probably about 1/2. Thanks for any info! Maybe there is an ortho surgeon or another survivor out there!

[Little John]

You don't own a ZRX by any chance, do you?

[Eric308]

You don't own a ZRX by any chance, do you?

Small world, dude. Hey, do me a favor...keep this contact between you and me. I'm totally off the ZRX board and want to remain that way. How did you happen on this site? I've been rowing for almost 20 years on these things...millions of meters. Anyway, I'm obviously laid up for the summer for riding that is. Still in a full length leg immobilizer and can't even get in a car much less drive one. How have you been? That little girl is growing like a weed I'm sure....I had been planning a trip to Myrtle Beach in February and even know a spot that has whole bellies from MA....long story short, I blew out my knee the day before we were leaving. Planning to go again in September. Hey, great hearing from you....just keep it under the radar.

[Little John]

Not a problem, I haven't been there much either.

Picked up a rower last year after the CRASH-B, and have been fairly consistently rowing 3-5 times a week, and raced a few weeks ago. First time competing in anything since high school. Did poorly compared to everyone else, but really well compared to my at-home best.

Anyway, small worlds collide, lemme know when you get up to New England!

Oh, and Cora's growing like a weed for sure - all of her shirts are showing off the tummy. And she's got a sibling on the way, so that'll be a fun trip in August! How about you? Things good?

[Eric308]

Not a problem, I haven't been there much either.

Picked up a rower last year after the CRASH-B, and have been fairly consistently rowing 3-5 times a week, and raced a few weeks ago. First time competing in anything since high school. Did poorly compared to everyone else, but really well compared to my at-home best.

Anyway, small worlds collide, lemme know when you get up to New England!

Surely will! Hey, I'm proud of you for taking up the Concept2! Almost the best thing I ever did. We have a yearly event here called the Mid-Winter Meltdown...I entered five years ago (at 62) and pulled a 7:27. I'm limited with my stroke length as I had that knee replacement, but still came in third in my age group. If you are anywhere in the sevens you are doing great. You ever do a marathon? I mainly just do 10K's and a lot of interval sprint stuff. Can you get under a 1:50 in a 500M? Keep up the good work. Guess my name and pic didn't really keep me under the radar!

[Little John]

Right now, I'm doing mostly longer rows - 12-15K - 3 days a week, and one endurance session a week (i.e. 5X 1500m).

I did 7:12.7 at CRASHB, I'm usually peaking at ~7:25 at home 2Ks.

I rowed a 25km this November, but I wasn't prepared for it. Took me over 2 hours. But I'll try again some day, probably fairly soon.

[Eric308]

Well, I've answered my own question. 3 months post surgery today and I rowed a slow 2K with no problems, pain or discomfort. I have limited ROM in both knees (about 120 degrees), but I can still get some good upper body training in without as much leg involvement. By far the worst injury I've ever suffered and it's good to be up and around for summer.

[marvy1]

Hello Eric and Little John,

I ruptured my left quadriceps tendon in my knee about 5 years ago. Took me about 6 months to even get on the rower again. I started in physical therapy and progressed to ONE REVOLUTION on a stationery bike. I am happy to report that now, 5 years after, I am close to 100%. So hand in there. It will get better.

MarvinH

[Eric308]

Hey marvy1...I am 4 months post surgery today and have been riding a stationary bike for the 2 months (full revs) and started rowing again a month ago. Have to do a short stroke (90 degrees), but no discomfort and back to normal. I pull about a 7:40 2K at almost 68 years old...with a TKR and now the new injury last February. Thanks for the feedback on a horrible injury!

[lindsayh]

Hi guys
its raining in Sydney today and quiet Sunday night so just looking around the forum
couldn't resist telling you about my gym buddy Bob ("our age" 64 ish) who suffered a catastrophic bilateral total quad tear last year in a simple accident at home. He had full surgery similar to you on both sides. I saw him just starting on the erg about 4 months later but very restricted of course. I think he is doing ok now about 1 year post op.

[2ER]

Total RQT Aug1 2013. Surgery Aug2. Resumed work Aug 6. Started Physio Aug 19. Completed full revolution on exercise bike Aug26. Resumed hiking Vancouver's Grouse Grind Sept14. Recommend Knee Guru UK for forum on this injury.

[heroesfitness]

I can remember when I was 11 years old my dad got a fully detached patella tendon playing football, his knee cap ended half way up his quadriceps, he went in for a big tackle and it just went. I always remember him telling me the how painful it was.

I would find a highly qualified physio in your area who deals with rehabilitation as a normal trainer wouldn't have the knowledge to deal with this safely and efficiently.

Good luck with your recovery

[Eric308]

Total RQT Aug1 2013. Surgery Aug2. Resumed work Aug 6. Started Physio Aug 19. Completed full revolution on exercise bike Aug26. Resumed hiking Vancouver's Grouse Grind Sept14. Recommend Knee Guru UK for forum on this injury.

Your recovery should go down in medical history. My rehab protocol was considered aggressive and it took me four months to get back to where I was prior to the injury. I told my ortho surgeon about your recovery time frame and he stated he doubted it was a total rupture. Here's my rehab protocol which I followed to the letter with great results.
http://www.uwhealth.org/files/uwhealth/ ... n_quad.pdf
http://www.epicski.com/t/66016/quadrice ... -and-rehab

[rshoffer]

tore my right quad tendon 3 weeks ago and had surgery within 24 hours. prior to that I workout at least 2 hours a day typically including 5000 meters on a concept 2. I tore a quad tendon two days after I turn 65. like the rest of you at 3 weeks out I remain in a straight leg velcro cast waiting for my surgeon to give me the green light to begin rehab. I have researched and studied this injury in the past 3 weeks for hours and hours. It is not hard to get demoralized because I often read of people read rupturing the tendon within the first 3 to 4 months so I am going to be patient which is not easy for me right now I am going to the gym at least 4 days a week doing upper body workouts nm doing lights bending on a swin Airdyne with my right leg the injured one position up on the post. they say misery loves company which is probably why these forums on quadricep tears become so popular. a quick and good recovery to all of you

[rshoffer]

Total RQT Aug1 2013. Surgery Aug2. Resumed work Aug 6. Started Physio Aug 19. Completed full revolution on exercise bike Aug26. Resumed hiking Vancouver's Grouse Grind Sept14. Recommend Knee Guru UK for forum on this injury.

that is an amazing recovery. did you have stem cell injections or do anything out of the ordinary. I have been researching the century for the past 3 weeks and I myself am a physician although not an orthopedic surgeon. I have never come across anyone who recovered at that pace