New modified Achilles tendon allograft for treatment of chronic patellar tendon ruptures following total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Introduction: Patellar tendon rupture is an infrequent but debilitating lesion. Several surgical repairs have been suggested for patellar tendon rupture. Our aim is to propose a modified technique from the classic Achilles allograft procedure.

Materials and methods: Five consecutive patients diagnosed with chronic patellar tendon rupture following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were included in the presented study. All patients were operated with a modified Achilles allograft technique, dividing the Achilles tendon into two bundles and overcrossing these through the distal part of the quadricipital tendon.

Results: All patients regained their extension mechanism and have discontinued using crutches. No complications were observed.

Conclusions: The modified Achilles allograft has shown to be a safe, time-reducing repair for chronic patellar tendon ruptures following TKA, and should be considered as an alternative surgical repair.