Patellar tendon reconstruction using LARS ligament: surgical technique and case report

Neglected patella tendon ruptures require reconstruction using tendon grafts. The LARS ligament has been successfully used in cruciate and collateral knee ligament reconstruction. We present a technique using LARS ligament for the reconstruction of a chronic patella tendon rupture in a low-demand patient. The result after 1-year follow-up was deemed successful.     

Allograft reconstruction for extensor mechanism rupture after total knee arthroplasty: 4.8-year follow-up

Three patients who experienced extensor mechanism rupture after total knee arthroplasty underwent reconstruction using an allograft consisting of quadriceps tendon, patella, patellar tendon, and tibial tubercle. All patients who failed initial attempts to repair the extensor mechanism disruption achieved pain relief at average 4.8-year follow-up. Patients were able to extend their knee actively against resistance. Ambulation with full weight bearing was possible in all patients; however, one patient required a cane. Few reports have been published on allograft reconstruction of the extensor mechanism. The current study supports its use for patients who have failed to achieve knee extension with reconstruction by other means.     

Extensor mechanism reconstruction: a novel technique for bone patella allograft post partial patellectomy failure

Extensor mechanism disruption, whether due to patella fracture or tendon rupture, generally occurs after low-energy trauma and frequently involves an indirect mechanism. When the fracture is comminuted and reconstruction is impossible, a partial or total patellectomy may be indicated. Although some authors advocate total patellectomy, partial patellectomy remains the standard treatment, especially for young and active patients. In the rare instance of a failed tendon repair after partial or total patellectomy, inadequate tissue is usually available for adequate restoration of the extensor mechanism. Extensor mechanism allograft, using the tibial tuberosity, patellar tendon, patella, and quadriceps tendon in continuity or the Achilles' tendon with calcaneal bone-block in continuity has been reported for extensor mechanism repair after total knee arthroplasty in patients who did not undergo patellectomy. We present a novel technique, using the bone patellar tendon bone allograft to reconstruct a posttraumatic defect of the extensor mechanism in a 28-year-old, active patient with a failed partial patellectomy following fracture of his patella. Union of the allograft was seen on x-ray after 4 months. After 6 months, the patient reached full range of motion and returned to his previous sporting activities.     

A technique for reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament

Additional medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction was performed successfully on six consecutive patients with recurrent dislocation of the patella because of residual patellar instability after medial transfer of the tibial tubercle. A technique for medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction is described, and complications and postoperative management are discussed. The reconstruction was performed using a double strand hamstring tendon graft in five patients and iliotibial allograft in one. Good stabilization of the patella was achieved in all six patients, resulting in improved confidence in higher levels of activity. The satisfactory outcome of additional medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction suggests the possibility that the procedure may be part of the optional procedure in proximal realignment for recurrent dislocation of the patella.     

An alternative cruciate reconstruction graft: The central quadriceps tendon

The central quadriceps tendon, above the patella, is thicker and wider than the patella tendon. Using precise technique, one can obtain a tendon graft for cruciate reconstruction with 50% greater mass than a patellar tendon bone-tendonbone graft of similar width. The central quadriceps tendon graft may be harvested by a second surgeon while the first surgeon is simultaneously accomplishing notchplasty and tunnel placement for cruciate ligament reconstruction. Consequently, this cruciate ligament reconstruction graft offers time savings as well as greater tendon volume. The central quadriceps tendon graft is difficult to harvest, with significant risk of entering the suprapatellar pouch and losing knee distension during ACL reconstruction. By careful adherence to the technique described in this article, the surgeon can obtain this reconstruction graft safely. It is important to recognize the anatomic subtleties of the proximal patella, which include a curved proximal surface, dense cortical bone, and closely adherent suprapatellar pouch. Proper technique is of utmost importance in obtaining this tendon graft safely and efficiently.     

Anatomical reconstruction of the patellar tendon: a new technique with hamstring tendons and iliotibial tract.

A new technique of patellar tendon reconstruction was performed in a patient who lost tendon and tibial tuberosity during wide excision surgery for a malignancy. In this procedure, the tendon was anatomically replaced by a graft composed of ipsilateral hamstring tendons and iliotibial tract, with the biomechanical conditions considered. Both ends of the graft were secured in the size-matched bone tunnels in the patella and tibia by screw post fixation, which is a technique established in ligament reconstruction surgery in the knee joint. At the twenty-month follow-up, the result was deemed successful.     

Techniques for extensor mechanism reconstruction after total knee arthroplasty: Is there a clear winner?

Extensor mechanism (EM) disruption after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is rare, but can result in devastating outcomes for patients including inability to ambulate. Disruption can occur at the quadriceps tendon, patella, or patellar tendon. This complication can be traumatic, but is often atraumatic from an iatrogenic or degenerative etiology. Primary repair for treatment of EM disruption has led to poor results with high failure rates and has mostly been abandoned. Most commonly accepted techniques center around Achilles tendon allograft reconstruction, synthetic mesh reconstruction, or other smaller options.However, to date, there is still no consensus for the optimal EM reconstructive technique due to the heterogeneity and small sample sizes of published studies. The need to identify a consistent and effective surgical technique is paramount to restore quality of life to patients who suffer from EM disruption after TKA. The purpose of this review is to describe the osteology, vasculature, and EM of the knee, identify risk factors associated with EM disruption after TKA, outline the considerations for surgical management, as well as compare and analyze the latest contributions to the literature, in particular allograft versus synthetic mesh, in the reconstruction of the EM after TKA.     

Anatomical reconstruction of the knee extensor apparatus for prepatellar myxofibrosarcoma

A novel reconstruction of the knee extensor apparatus was attempted in a 69-year-old patient with prepatellar myxoid fibrosarcoma. The skin (35×25 cm), subcutaneous tumor, quadriceps tendon, patella, anterior capsule, and patella tendon were widely resected en-bloc. Following wide resection, the excised quadriceps tendon, patella, and patella tendon were anatomically reimplanted into the original site after being devitalized in liquid nitrogen. These complexes were covered by a free vascularized latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. At 18-month follow-up, the strength of active knee extension was 4+ of 5 in the muscle manual test. The active range of motion was 110° in flexion and -10° in extension. The tumor showed no evidence of disease. The patella and femur joint showed no osteoarthritis on plain radiographs. This procedure is the only way to achieve anatomical reconstruction. Reattachment of patella tendon to the tibial tuberosity was possible. The use of liquid nitrogen to devitalize is straightforward and the operation time can be shortened. To our knowledge, this type of reconstructive procedure has never been reported in the English literature.     

关节镜下横穿钉固定重建膝关节前交叉韧带的临床疗效分析

[目的]观察关节镜下股骨侧应用横穿钉(Transfix)固定,胫骨侧界面螺钉(Interference)结合门型钉固定自体腘绳肌腱或同种异体肌腱重建膝关节前交叉韧带的临床疗效。[方法]膝关节前交叉韧带重建患者117例,所有患者均应用股骨侧横穿钉(Transfix)固定,胫骨侧界面螺钉(Interference)结合门型钉固定行前交叉韧带单束重建,其中使用自体腘绳肌腱患者81例,使用同种异体肌腱患者36例,观察此固定方法的可靠性及近期疗效,使用Lysholm评分及IKDC 2000评价手术前后膝关节功能。[结果]103例患者获得随访,随访时间12～26个月(平均18个月),关节活动度正常。平均Lysholm评分由术前的(57.60±5.74)分提高到术后的(94.55±2.38)分(P0.05)。IKDC 2000评分96例正常,6例(5.8%)接近正常,1例(1%)异常。自体腘绳肌腱组和同种异体肌腱组患者的物理检查及功能评分无明显差异。[结论]股骨侧横穿钉固定,胫骨侧界面螺钉结合门型钉固定重建膝关节前交叉韧带的手术方式近期疗效肯定,移植物固定可靠,手术操作安全。应用自体及同种异体肌腱进行重建都具有良好的临床效果,可根据患者的病情及主观要求进行选择。     

Reconstruction of patellar tendon rupture after total knee arthroplasty with an extensor mechanism allograft

Although patellar tendon rupture after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a rare complication, the consistently poor outcome of conventional tendon repair has convinced some to abandon such reconstruction in favor of a prospective protocol using an allograft distal extensor mechanism. The graft consists of a quadriceps tendon, a patella with a cemented prosthesis, a patellar tendon, and a tibial tubercle. Since December 1985, 13 knees in 12 patients were reconstructed using this method. Ten knees were followed for six to 51 months; five of these knees were followed for more than 24 months. Knee extension power and improved function were ultimately attained in all cases, although minimal extensor lags were present in three cases. Preoperative motion returned in all but one knee. Healing of the allograft to the host tissue was attained primarily at all of the tibial junctions. Two graft complications occurred, both in the first three months after surgery: one quadriceps junction treated by resuture failed at the one-month mark, and the other graft had to be revised for extensor weakness from rupture of the graft at the patella-patellar tendon junction, which was attributed to surgical damage to the tendon. After completion of healing to the host and rehabilitation of the knee joint, no grafts in the series failed during the course of normal daily activities. One patient fractured the allograft patella in a severe fall. The long-term durability of this construct needs to be studied further.     

Reconstruction of a ruptured patellar tendon with achilles tendon allograft following total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Rupture of the patellar tendon after total knee arthroplasty is a rare and debilitating complication. Proper surgical management of this condition remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to review the results of reconstruction of a ruptured patellar tendon with an Achilles tendon allograft following total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: We reviewed our experience with the use of a fresh-frozen Achilles tendon allograft with an attached calcaneal bone graft to restore extensor function in nine patients with patellar tendon rupture following total knee arthroplasty (five primary and four revision). All patients were examined clinically and radiographically at an average of twenty-eight months. RESULTS: The average knee and functional scores improved from 26 and 14 points, respectively, before the surgery to 81 and 53 points after the surgery. The average extensor lag decreased from 44 degrees preoperatively to 3 degrees postoperatively, and the average range of motion of the knee increased from 88 degrees to 107 degrees. Two grafts failed in the early postoperative period. Both were repaired successfully. Radiographs showed an average proximal patellar migration of 17.8 mm, which did not appear to affect extensor function. CONCLUSIONS: This short-term follow-up study showed that once an Achilles allograft has healed, it can serve as a reliable reconstruction of a ruptured patellar tendon following total knee arthroplasty. This technique may be particularly suited for patients in whom the extensor mechanism was compromised by multiple prior operations. Continued follow-up is necessary to determine the long-term durability of these results.     

Effect of Donor Age on Patellar Tendon Allograft ACL Reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon allograft tissue is a common orthopedic procedure. It is unknown what effect, if any, the donor age has on clinical outcomes. Biomechanical studies have shown the strength of cadaveric patellar tendon to be independent of age, but no clinical studies have evaluated patient outcomes related to this variable. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of allograft donor age on clinical outcomes of patients undergoing allograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon allograft.Case logs were reviewed to identify primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with allograft patellar tendon by a single surgeon using a standard endoscopic transtibial technique with interference screw fixation. Revision and multiligamentous surgeries were excluded. Seventy-seven patients who met these criteria were identified. Allografts were fresh-frozen, aseptically harvested patellar tendons from a single tissue bank. The donor age was obtained. Clinical outcomes were obtained by contacting patients by telephone and retrospective chart review. Pre- and postoperative Lysholm and Tegner knee scores were used for comparison.Data from 75 patients with an average follow-up of 24 months were obtained. Average donor age was 44 years (range, 14-65 years), and average patient age was 37 years (range, 18-60 years). Statistical analysis of pre- and postoperative Lysholm scores demonstrated statistically significant improvement (P?.001). Using donor age as a continuous variable, no effect was found on postoperative improvement in Lysholm score or Tegner score (P=.6).     

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A New Technique for Achilles Tendon Allograft Preparation

We describe a new technique in Achilles tendon allograft preparation for use in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction that allows for secure bony interference fixation on each side of the joint and aperture fixation for all patients. In addition, preparation of the graft in this manner avoids some problems that are frequently encountered with patellar tendon allografts, including graft tunnel mismatch and limited availability. Previous studies have reported successful results with Achilles tendon allograft use in ACL reconstruction with soft tissue fixation in the tibial tunnel. Bony interference fixation on the tibial side can be achieved by suturing a free bone plug to the tendon end of an Achilles allograft. We use a 9-mm circular oscillating saw to harvest a free 30-mm length bone plug from the remaining calcaneal bone block. This is then sutured directly to the tendon end of a bone-Achilles tendon allograft with the use of No. 1 nonabsorbable suture placed through 3 equally spaced drill holes in the free bone plug. Tendon length between the bone plugs can be individually set for each patient at a distance equivalent to the length of the native ACL (intra-articular distance between the femoral and tibial tunnels). After graft passage, the construct is tensioned and secured with interference screws, similar to a traditional bone–patellar tendon–bone graft. The senior author (S.G.) has performed 40 procedures with excellent results and reports no cases of tibial fixation failure. Biomechanical and long-term follow-up studies are in progress.     

Patella alta and recurrent dislocation of the patella.

Fifteen knees were treated with a surgical technique designed for recurrent patellar dislocations when associated with patella alta. The average number of patellar dislocations preoperatively was 12, and the determination of patella alta was made using the technique described by Insall and Salvati, which is a ratio of the length of the patellar tendon to the longest diagonal length of the patella. The normal value for this ratio is 1.02 plus or minus 20%. The average preoperative ratio in this study was 1.58 (range, 1.2-2.1), which changed to 1.08 (range, 0.99-1.14) by the time of follow-up examination. The surgical technique used involves transposing the patellar tendon insertion distally without any medialization or recessing and allows for good bone contact for healing, secure fixation, and immediate postoperative motion. There were no recurrences of patellar dislocation postoperatively and few complications. Only one patient complained of anterior knee pain in the follow-up period. This technique is thought to give good results when it is used specifically for recurrent patellar dislocations associated with patella alta.     

Posterior Tibial Tendon Allograft Reconstruction for Stage II Adult Acquired Flatfoot: A Case Series

Surgical treatment for a stage II adult acquired flatfoot has consisted of reconstruction of the diseased posterior tibial tendon with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer, combined with osteotomies to address the underlying deformity. This case series presents an alternative to tendon transfer using allograft tendon for posterior tibial tendon reconstruction. Four patients who underwent stage II flatfoot reconstruction with posterior tibial tendon allograft transplantation were included. All patients had preoperative radiographs demonstrating flatfoot deformity and magnetic resonance imaging showing advanced tendinopathy of the posterior tibial tendon. Allograft tendon transplant was considered in patients demonstrating adequate posterior tibial tendon excursion during intraoperative assessment. Additional procedures were performed as necessary depending on patient pathology. Postoperatively, all patients remained non-weightbearing in a short leg cast for 6 weeks. Radiographs performed during the postoperative course demonstrated well-maintained and improved alignment. No complications were encountered. Each patient demonstrated grade 5 muscle strength and were able to perform a single-limb heel rise at the time of final follow-up. The average follow-up duration was 19.0 months. Flexor digitorum longus transfer has been studied extensively for stage II adult acquired flatfoot. However, the flexor digitorum longus has been shown to be much weaker relative to the posterior tibial tendon, and concern remains regarding its ability to recreate the force of the posterior tibial tendon. Our results demonstrate that posterior tibial tendon allograft reconstruction combined with flatfoot reconstruction is a reasonable option. This alternative has the advantage of preserving the stronger muscle without disturbing regional anatomy.     

Endoscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patella tendon autograft

The patella tendon is the most commonly used graft source for ACL reconstruction because of its biomechanical strength and stiffness, the availability of bone-to-bone healing on either end, and the ability to firmly secure the graft within the tunnels. Consistently good results have been reported in the literature, with expectations to return to all activities at pre-injury levels of performance. We outline our technique for endoscopic ACL reconstruction using a patella tendon autograft. The technique is divided into the critical stages of pre-operative assessment, graft harvest, notch preparation, tunnel placement, graft passage, graft fixation, and rehabilitation. Methods for avoiding pitfalls and overcoming mishaps are described.     

Achilles Tendon Reconstruction With Bone Block Allograft:Long-Term Follow-Up of Two Cases

The treatment of neglected or chronically ruptured Achilles tendon is challenging. Various treatments for large defects associated with chronic Achilles ruptures have been described. Many surgeons recommend the use of a tendon transfer, turndown rotational flap, advancement flap, or reconstruction with Achilles tendon allograft with calcaneal bone block. Long-term outcomes of these procedures are unknown. We present 2 cases with the use of an Achilles tendon with calcaneus bone block allograft. At >8-year follow-up duration, both patients are afforded satisfactory levels of activity and are without pain or gait disturbance. This procedure is a viable option for Achilles ruptures with large defects, ruptures with small intact distal tendon portions, or re-ruptures of previously repaired Achilles tendons. The long-term outcomes of these case reports suggest that Achilles tendon reconstruction with bone block allograft is a viable option.     

Patella tendon rupture after arthroscopic resection of the prepatellar bursa--a case report

The use of arthroscopic techniques for excision of the pre-patellar bursa has become more common in recent years for the treatment of prepatellar bursitis. The current literature includes several case series that report few complications with this technique. We report the case of a 73-year-old male who sustained a low-energy patella tendon rupture 2 months after arthroscopic resection of the prepatellar bursa. We hypothesize that during arthroscopic excision of the prepatellar bursa there was an iatrogenic injury to the patellar tendon, which contributed to the subsequent rupture. Surgical repair was successfully performed using an open technique with a 1-year follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of patella tendon rupture following arthroscopic excision of the prepatellar bursa.     

Reconstruction of chronic ruptures of the distal biceps tendon with use of an achilles tendon allograft

BACKGROUND: Chronic ruptures of the distal biceps tendon are uncommon and are complicated by the retraction and poor quality of the muscle and tendon. Surgical procedures that have been described for the treatment of this injury are limited by the quality and availability of the structures used for augmentation. The purpose of the present study was to describe the surgical technique for reconstruction of the tendon with an Achilles tendon allograft and to report our preliminary experience with this procedure. METHODS: An Achilles tendon allograft was used to reconstruct a chronic rupture of the distal biceps tendon in four patients. The patients were evaluated with regard to subjective satisfaction, pain, range of motion, and strength in flexion and supination. The results were graded with use of the Mayo elbow performance score. RESULTS: After an average duration of follow-up of 2.8 years (range, 2.0 to 3.7 years), all four patients had a satisfactory subjective result, a full range of motion, and an excellent Mayo elbow performance score. The strength of flexion and supination was comparable with that on the contralateral side in two patients and was slightly decreased in the other two. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of chronic disruptions of the distal biceps tendon with an Achilles tendon allograft appears to offer a satisfactory technical solution for this challenging problem and has provided satisfactory clinical results to date.     

A new technique for harvesting the patella tendon in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

A new technique for harvesting the patella tendon for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is described. A circular oscillating saw is used to harvest the bone plugs. We feel that this technique offers reproducibility that is difficult to obtain with more conventional methods of graft harvesting.