Simultaneous quadriceps and contralateral patellar tendon ruptures in a patient with chronic renal failure following electric shock; a case report and review of the literature

Abstract Bilateral extensor tendon ruptures of the knee are not uncommon. However, simultaneous ruptures of the patellar tendon (PT) and contralateral quadriceps tendon (QT) are relatively rare injuries. These ruptures are frequently associated with chronic renal failure and minor trauma. However, they can occur spontaneously in healthy individuals. In this case report, a 43-year-old male with chronic renal failure who sustained bilateral extensor tendon ruptures (right knee: QT rupture, left knee: PT rupture) following an alternating current electrical shock was reported. To our knowledge, simultaneous quadriceps and contralateral patellar tendon rupture following an electric shock have not been reported yet. Etiology, mechanism of injury and treatment options of this rare injury are discussed together with a thorough literature review.