Extensor Mechanism Reconstruction Using Allograft Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Review of Current Practice

Cureus. 2021 Jan 20;13(1):e12803. doi: 10.7759/cureus.12803.

Abstract

The disruption of the extensor mechanism/apparatus of the knee is a dreaded complication following Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Fresh frozen allograft containing the patella, and peripatellar musculotendinous attachments has emerged as an ideal alternative or salvageable option for the efficient reconstruction of extensor mechanism disrupted following TKA, where repair is almost impossible. However, any allograft implantation is associated with certain complications and extensor apparatus allograft is not the exception. Despite being allogenic, reconstruction of the extensor mechanism of the knee using allograft has given promising results. This narrative review aims to elaborate on the current application of allograft in the reconstruction of the disrupted extensor mechanism following TKA.

Keywords: allograft; extensor apparatus of the knee; extensor mechanism disruption; tka; total knee arthroplasty.

Publication types

  • Review