Mom is caregiver for elders in the family. now she has a problem. what does it mean to have knee cap tendon rupture?

Torn tendon: Sounds like patellar tendon or quad tendon rupture. Complete tearing of either generally requires surgical repair or the individual will be unable to actively extend their knee making walking very difficult. Can't really be rehabed alone as the quad muscles have lost their attachment to the tibia below the knee joint.

Marked restriction: Knee cap tendon rupture also known as rupture of the ligamemtum patellae means an inablity to completely straighten your knee; would require surgical repair and would have restrictiion in the range of movemeny of the knne and may even have trouble with walking if not properly treated and managed. Would check for underlying problems in the knee also.