title: Reconstruction of neglected patellar tendon ruptures using the quadriceps graft.
abstract: Several techniques using different grafts have been described for reconstruction of the patellar tendon after a neglected rupture. Retraction of the quadriceps tendon may compromise repair integrity due to progressive stretching of the graft. The authors present a surgical technique using the central one-third of the quadriceps tendon. This is supported by the fact that the resistance to traction of this segment of the quadriceps tendon equals that of a double-looped semitendinosus graft and that the harvesting of this specific graft promotes muscle inhibition, thus protecting the reconstruction during the recovery period.
authors.forename: João Luiz Ellera
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Gomes
authors.forename: Jairo André
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: de Oliveira Alves
authors.forename: José Mauro
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Zimmermann
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D017847:Patellar Ligament / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013710:Tendons / Q000637:transplantation; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult