prickly pear, prickly pear cactus(noun) cacti having spiny flat joints and oval fruit that is edible in some species; often used as food for stock. Synonyms: prickly pear, prickly pear cactus. prickly pear(noun) round or pear-shaped spiny fruit of any of various prickly pear cacti.
The quadriceps and patellar tendons can be stretched and torn. Although anyone can injure these tendons, tears are more common among middle-aged people who play running or jumping sports. Falls, direct force to the front of the knee, and landing awkwardly from a jump are common causes of knee tendon injuries.
Tendons are strong cords of fibrous tissue that attach muscles to bones. The patellar tendon works with the muscles in the front of your thigh to straighten your leg. Small tears of the tendon can make it difficult to walk and participate in other daily activities. A large tear of the patellar tendon is a disabling injury.