About this video
Last updated: 9 October 2026
The video says the pop alone does not show what was injured, and that an ACL tear and a patellar tendon rupture are commonly confused. With an ACL tear, the video says many patients can still stand and even walk, although the knee often feels unstable, and swelling usually develops quite quickly.
Key points
- It says both injuries can happen in sport, both can cause swelling, and both can make it difficult to continue playing.
- The video explains the patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shin bone, and that after a complete rupture patients often cannot straighten the knee actively against gravity.
- It says an inability to straighten the knee and bear weight is a clue on examination, the kneecap may sit slightly higher, and imaging helps confirm the diagnosis.
- The video says treatment depends on what was injured: many ACL tears can first be managed with rehabilitation, while a complete patellar tendon rupture usually requires surgical repair.
Questions this video answers
How can an ACL tear and a patellar tendon rupture differ after a pop in the knee?
The video says the pop alone does not show what was injured. With an ACL tear many patients can still stand and walk, although the knee often feels unstable. After a complete patellar tendon rupture patients often cannot actively straighten the knee.
How are an ACL tear and a patellar tendon rupture treated?
The video says treatment depends on what was injured. Many ACL tears can first be managed with rehabilitation, and reconstruction (surgery to rebuild the ACL) may be considered if the knee stays unstable or a person wishes to return to pivoting sport. A complete patellar tendon rupture usually requires surgical repair.
