Chronic rupture of a patellar tendon: a technique for reconstruction with Achilles allograft

Abstract

Chronic ruptures of the patellar tendon fortunately are an uncommon event. These ruptures are often difficult to repair because they are generally accompanied by quadriceps muscle contracture and a great deal of scar tissue formation. We report the case of a repair of a chronic patellar tendon rupture. The patient's right patellar tendon was reconstructed approximately 10 months after the injury using quadricepsplasty and an Achilles tendon allograft with a suprapatellar wire for tension release. Four weeks postoperatively, he had attained 60 degrees of flexion and full active extension. At 8 weeks, the suprapatellar wire was removed allowing the distribution of stresses on the reconstructed patellar tendon. At 6 months, the patient had 130 degrees of flexion and full extension, but showed a persistent 40% deficit in right quad strength. The technique accomplished the preoperative goals of restoring quadriceps function, restoring the anatomic position of the patella, and allowing early mobilization after surgery. Although the use of a suprapatellar wire to reduce tension on the reconstructed tendon required a second operation for removal, it allowed early mobilization and better healing of the repair.