Reconstruction of the extensor mechanism with fresh-frozen tendon allograft in total knee arthroplasty.
OBJECTIVE
Patellar tendon rupture after total knee replacement is a rare and highly limiting injury with multifactorial aetiology. Many reconstruction techniques have been described with not very predictable results. The use of allografts has been accepted as a suitable solution.


METHODS
A series of seven patients with patellar tendon rupture treated with fresh-frozen tendon allograft reconstruction after knee arthroplasty is presented.


RESULTS
Median follow-up is 25 months (20-31). Functional assessment improved, and the knee society score and knee functional score improved from 26 and 16 to 82 and 55, respectively. Median extension lag was 5° (0°-20°), with a median range of motion of 95° (70-100). Radiological study showed a rise of the patella of 22.26 mm.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of fresh-frozen allografts as a solution to patellar tendon ruptures after knee arthroplasty seems to provide acceptable results. Increased patellar height does not seem to affect functionality.


METHODS
Case series, Level IV.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Clinic of Navarra, Avenida Pio XII 36, 31008, Pamplona, Spain, rllombartb@gmail.com.
Rafael
R
Llombart Blanco
Andrés
A
Valentí
Pablo
P
Díaz de Rada
Gonzalo
G
Mora
Juan R
JR
Valentí
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017847:Patellar Ligament / Q000293:injuries*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012421:Rupture; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D013710:Tendons / Q000637:transplantation*; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous