Spontaneous ruptures of the extensor mechanism of the knee are very rare. They tend to increase considerably in patients with
metabolic diseases such as chronic renal failure, hyperparathyroidism, diabetes, gout, and systemic lupus erythematosus. The
reported case regards a 48-year-old man with chronic, spontaneous and simultaneous quadriceps, and contra-lateral patellar
tendon rupture. The patient suffered from chronic renal failure and for the past year from tertiary hyperparathyroidism. Ruptured
tendons were repaired and both knee were evaluated monthly for the next 12 months. Good functional recovery was achieved on
both knees without relapse. This case emphasizes the importance of long-term high parathyroid hormone level in the etiology
of tendons ruptures.
Keywords Patellar tendon rupture - Quadriceps tendon - Tertiary hyperparathyroidism