Patella Tendon Advancement (PTA)
Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.
The patella tendon starts from the knee cap and goes into the top of the shin. The Patella tendon can be over stretched and too long after walking in a crouched (bent knees) position for a long period of time. When this occurs, the quadriceps (thigh muscles) lose the ability to straighten the knee/ leg completely.
Definition:
The patella (knee-cap) tendon is detached from where it usually sits below the knee, moved further down the leg and reattached to the shin bone.
Weight Bearing:
1-2 weeks non weight bearing unless otherwise instructed by your orthopaedic surgeon.
Plasters or Orthosis/Brace:
A knee brace will need to be worn straight after the surgery. This can only be removed for physiotherapy initially. Your surgeon will prescribe the amount of time this is worn for.
Special Instructions:
Gentle bending of the knee with the physiotherapist will begin whilst your child is in hospital.
Equipment:
Your child will need a wheelchair and perhaps a hoist and a commode to help with toileting. Speak to an Occupational Therapist for further advice and recommendations regarding equipment. A leg board will also need to be fitted into a wheelchair to accommodate for the knee brace.
© The Children's Hospital at Westmead - 1997-2010
This document was published on Thursday, 11 February 2010.
| 
