title: Traumatic patella tendon rupture: early mobilisation following surgical repair.
abstract: This study aims to demonstrate that postoperative immobilisation in a cast is unnecessary following suture repair of the patella tendon and retinacula protected by a cerlage wire. We present 11 patients mean age 42 years evaluated at a mean of 26 months (range 14-38 months). The mean Lysholm knee score at review was 97 (range 92-100). The mean Insall Salvati measurement (length patella/length tendon (LP/LT)) was 1 (range 0.95-1.1). No patients had fixed flexion deformities or demonstrated an extensor lag and the average range of motion was 0-137 degrees. The difference between the operated and control knee at the time of assessment was: a mean loss of power of 6% (range 2-11) when measuring concentric extension and a mean loss of 7% power (range 13 to an increase of 12) in concentric flexion. We conclude that primary repair protected with a cerlage wire and early mobilisation gives excellent results in the treatment of isolated traumatic patella tendon ruptures and cast immobilisation postoperatively is not required.
authors.affiliation: 6 Frobisher Mews, Raleigh Road, Enfield, Middx EN2 6UN, UK.
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Bhargava
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Hynes
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Dowell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001864:Bone Wires; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D004434:Early Ambulation; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010329:Patella / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012421:Rupture / Q000601:surgery; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome