title: Chronic knee extensor mechanism lesions in total knee arthroplasty: a literature review.
abstract: Knee extensor mechanism rupture is a serious complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Its prevalence ranges from 1 to 10% and it is commonly observed as a chronic multifactorial pathology with the patellar tendon as the most common site of rupture. Knee extensor mechanism reconstruction can be performed using allogenic or synthetic grafts. In the literature it is still not clear whether one of these techniques is superior to the other and the choice is usually tailored to the patient case by case. Allografts allow better restoration of the anatomical landmarks, whereas the mesh technique is more reproducible and the graft does not elongate over time. Allografts carry an increased risk of infection compared with synthetic reconstructions, while the mesh technique is cheaper and more readily available. In this paper, we review the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of this pathology, drawing on the most recent literature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery Mauriziano "Umberto I" Hospital, Torino, Italy.
authors.forename: Umberto
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Cottino
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery Mauriziano "Umberto I" Hospital, Torino, Italy.
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Deledda
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery Mauriziano "Umberto I" Hospital, Torino, Italy.
authors.forename: Federica
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rosso
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery Mauriziano "Umberto I" Hospital, Torino, Italy.
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Blonna
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery Mauriziano "Umberto I" Hospital, Torino, Italy.
authors.forename: Davide Edoardo
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Bonasia
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery Mauriziano "Umberto I" Hospital, Torino, Italy.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rossi
keywords: allograft reconstruction; chronic rupture; extensor mechanism; knee revision; prosthesis failure; synthetic graft