title: Bilateral patellar tendon reconstruction using LARS ligaments: case report and review of the literature.
abstract: Acute bilateral patellar tendon rupture is a rare occurrence, with only 1 case reported in the English literature of a young, fit athlete with no regular medications. To our knowledge this is the first such case reported using a LARS reconstruction.
  
  
  
  A 26-year-old otherwise well ex-olympic gymnast with bilateral acute on chronic patellar tendon rupture underwent reconstruction using LARS ligaments. At four years post-operatively he has maintained full range of motion and strength, without re-rupture or any evidence of synovitis.
  
  
  
  The use of LARS ligament for reconstruction of the patellar tendon is a viable and effective option for rupture. It avoids donor site morbidity associated with autograft. Reconstruction of both patellar tendons simultaneously in a young, elite-level athlete has not previously been reported in the English-language literature.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Department, Western Hospital, Gordon Street, Footscray, Victoria, 3011, Australia. ajtalia@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Adrian James
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Talia
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Department, Western Hospital, Gordon Street, Footscray, Victoria, 3011, Australia.
authors.forename: Phong
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tran
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000379:methods*; D056352:Athletes; D006173:Gymnastics; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods; D017847:Patellar Ligament / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D010808:Physical Examination; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012421:Rupture / Q000601:surgery*; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014463:Ultrasonography
keywords: Bilateral; Case report; Extensor mechanism; LARS; Patellar tendon; Reconstruction; Rupture