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. 2016 Sep 17;6(2):224-227.
doi: 10.11138/mltj/2016.6.2.224. eCollection 2016 Apr-Jun.

Outcomes after quadriceps tendon repair in patients over 80 years of age

Prasad Ellanti  1 , Andrew Moriarty  1 , Matthew Nagle  1 , Tom McCarthy  1
Affiliations

Outcomes after quadriceps tendon repair in patients over 80 years of age

Prasad Ellanti et al. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. .

Abstract

Background: Quadriceps tendon (QT) ruptures are uncommon and mostly occur in those who are 50-60 years of age. Timely surgical repair can result in a good functional outcome, however, little is known about the outcome in the older patient.

Methods: A retrospective review of all QT ruptures between 2009 and 2014 was conducted. Patients over the age of 80 were included. Those with penetrating trauma or partial ruptures were excluded. A chart review was undertaken to gather demographic and operative details. The patients were contacted by phone or by mail to have Lysholm and Rougraff scores completed.

Results: Of the 32 QT ruptures identified, 6 (19%) patients were eligible for inclusion in our study. They were predominantly (83%) males with a mean age of 81.38 years. The mean follow up was 54 months. The mean Lysholm score at last follow up was 84.8/100, which falls within the range of a good outcome. The mean Rougraff score was 21.3/25, which is an excellent outcome. All patients felt they were close to their premorbid level of mobility.

Conclusion: Good outcomes can be expected with QT repair in older patients, resulting in restoration of the pre-injury level of mobility. Level of evidence: Level V case series.

Keywords: elderly patients; outcome; quadriceps tendon rupture.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Lateral radiographs of knees with quadriceps tendon ruptures. Figure 1 displays obliteration the quadriceps tendon shadow, a haematoma (solid arrow), and a low lying patella (patella baja).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Displays patellar tilt, and again loss of the quadriceps tendon shadow.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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