In human anatomy, the quadriceps tendon, also known as the patellar tendon, allows the quadriceps femoris muscles (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius) to converge on the superior aspects of the patella on the anterior of the thigh, which continues as the patellar ligament. A tendon connects muscle to bone, while a ligament connects bone to bone. The quadriceps tendon works with the quadriceps to extend the leg.
Injuries are common to this tendon, with tears, either partial or complete, being the most common. If the quadriceps tendon is completely torn, surgery will be required to regain function of the knee. Without the quadriceps tendon, the knee cannot extend. Often, when the tendon is completely torn, part of the kneecap bone will break off with the tendon as well. It can rupture resulting in quadriceps tendon rupture.
It has been studied in the analysis of patellofemoral pain syndrome.