New modified Achilles tendon allograft for treatment of chronic patellar tendon ruptures following total knee arthroplasty

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2014 May;134(5):713-7. doi: 10.1007/s00402-014-1951-6. Epub 2014 Feb 14.

Abstract

Introduction: Patellar tendon rupture is an infrequent but debilitating lesion. Several surgical repairs have been suggested for patellar tendon rupture. Our aim is to propose a modified technique from the classic Achilles allograft procedure.

Materials and methods: Five consecutive patients diagnosed with chronic patellar tendon rupture following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were included in the presented study. All patients were operated with a modified Achilles allograft technique, dividing the Achilles tendon into two bundles and overcrossing these through the distal part of the quadricipital tendon.

Results: All patients regained their extension mechanism and have discontinued using crutches. No complications were observed.

Conclusions: The modified Achilles allograft has shown to be a safe, time-reducing repair for chronic patellar tendon ruptures following TKA, and should be considered as an alternative surgical repair.

MeSH terms

  • Achilles Tendon / transplantation*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Allografts
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / adverse effects*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Orthopedic Procedures / methods*
  • Patellar Ligament / injuries*
  • Patellar Ligament / surgery
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
  • Rupture
  • Tendon Injuries / etiology
  • Tendon Injuries / surgery*
  • Transplantation, Homologous
  • Wound Healing