Outcomes after arthroscopically assisted lower trapezius transfer with Achilles tendon allograft.

BACKGROUND: Lower trapezius tendon transfer is 1 option to improve pain and function with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of tendon healing with the procedure has not yet been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate early tendon transfer healing using postoperative MRI scans and to assess early clinical outcomes in patients after arthroscopically assisted lower trapezius tendon transfer (AALTT) for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. METHODS: This was a single institution retrospective review of consecutive patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears who underwent AALTT with a single surgeon from January 2017 to July 2020 with a minimum 6-month follow-up. Patient information including age, sex, follow-up, prior surgical history, and type of work (sedentary or labor-intensive) was recorded. Preoperative and postoperative range of motion, external rotation strength, presence of a lag sign, and pain visual analog scale data were extracted from medical records. Patient-reported outcomes were extracted from patient charts. Six-month postoperative MRIs were reviewed for tendon transfer healing at both the greater tuberosity and the trapezius-allograft interface. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients met inclusion criteria with average age 56.7 (range, 29-72 years). Of these patients, 17 (89.5%) were male. The average follow-up was 14.6 (range, 6-45) months. Fifteen (78.9%) patients had unsuccessful previous rotator cuff repair. Six-month MRI demonstrated complete healing of the transferred tendon in 17 of 19 patients (89.5%). There were significant improvements in postoperative pain visual analog scale (5.9 ± 2 vs. 1.8 ± 2), ASES score (44.6 ± 18 vs. 71.2 ± 24), and Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical (46.3 ± 6 vs. 51.3 ± 11) and in external rotation motion (10.5 ± 17° vs. 40.5 ± 13°) and strength (2.8/5 ± 1 vs. 4.7/5 ± 0.5) at final follow-up. All patients with a preoperative external rotation lag sign had reversal of their lag sign at final follow-up (15/15). Of 17 work-eligible patients, 13 (76.4%) were able to return to work. CONCLUSION: In this series, AALTT showed a high rate of healing of the transferred tendon on MRI by 6 months postoperatively. The current findings of a high rate of early tendon transfer healing are consistent with the good early and mid-term outcomes that have been observed in AALTT and provide support for surgeon and patient expectations, postoperative rehabilitation, and return to work following AALTT for massive posterior superior rotator cuff tears.

Extensor mechanism reconstruction with allograft following total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of achilles tendon versus extensor mechanism allografts for isolated chronic patellar tendon ruptures.

BACKGROUND: Extensor mechanism rupture is a severe complication with an incidence of 0.1-2.5% after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Achilles tendon allograft (ATA) and extensor mechanism allograft (EMA) in TKA surgery have yielded mixed clinical results. Our systematic review aims to identify the proportion of failure in extensor mechanism reconstruction after TKA using allograft and evaluate clinical and functional outcomes and the most common complications. Furthermore, we performed a meta-analysis among studies dealing with isolated patellar tendon ruptures to assess the failure rate, surgical complications, and clinical findings (extensor lag and knee range of motion) of extensor mechanism reconstruction using either ATA or EMA grafts. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed following the PRISMA guidelines, including the studies dealing with the use of EMA and ATA for extensor mechanism rupture following TKA. Coleman Methodology Score and the MINORS score were used to assess the quality of the studies. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the failure rate, complications, and clinical findings (extensor lag and knee range of motion) of the ATA and EMA treatments in isolated patellar tendon ruptures. RESULTS: A total of 238 patients (245 knees), with a mean age ranging from 54 to 74 years, who underwent extensor mechanism reconstruction with an allograft were identified in the 18 included studies. We analysed 166 patellar tendon ruptures, 29 quadriceps tendon ruptures, and 29 patellar fractures in the analysis. A chronic injury was described in the majority of included cases. ATA and whole EMA were used in 89 patients (92 knees) and 149 patients (153 knees), respectively. The overall failure percentage was 23%, while EMA and ATA were 23 and 24%. The most common complication was extensor lag (≥ 20°). The overall incidence of postoperative infection was 7%. Eleven of 14 included papers reported more than 100° of the mean postoperative knee flexion. The percentage of patients requiring walking aids is 55 and 34.5% in ATA and EMA, respectively. The failure outcome after extensor mechanism reconstruction in isolated patellar tendon ruptures was 27%, with no statistical difference between EMA and ATA in terms of failure rate and clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Extensor mechanism reconstruction with allograft represents a valid treatment option in patients with acute or chronic rupture following total knee arthroplasty. Persistent extensor lag represents the most common complication. EMA is associated with a lower frequency of patients requiring walking aids at last follow-up, although it has similar clinical and functional outcomes to ATA. In patellar tendon ruptures, ATA has a comparable success rate with EMA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019141574.

Repair of Chronic Patellar Tendon Rupture with Extensor Mechanism Allograft Augmentation.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of our novel chronic patellar tendon repair with allograft augmentation in an active-duty military population. From 2014 to 2018, five patients with chronic patellar tendon ruptures were treated with a primary repair of the patellar tendon augmented with Achilles tendon allograft. All patients were followed for 12 months, and their range of motion, Lysholm scores, and straight leg raise ability were assessed. Additionally, their return to active military duty was followed. All patients were managed with tendon reapproximation and Achilles allograft augmentation. Lysholm scores improved in all patients from an average of 35 to 87 postoperatively. No patients demonstrated postoperative extensor lag, and patients regained an average flexion of 130 degrees. All patients returned to active military duty. We presented a safe and effective technique to manage chronic patellar tendon ruptures that produced good outcomes. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 32(3):242-245, 2023).

Distal biceps tendon repairs and reconstructions-an analysis of demographics, prodromal symptoms and complications.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographics, complications and prodromal symptoms (any pain or unpleasant sensation in the area distal biceps tendon preceding the injury) of distal biceps tendon tears (DBTTs) of patients treated with primary repair or Achilles allograft reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 228 consecutive DBTTs in 226 patients from a single centre were evaluated. The demographic data, prodromal symptoms and postoperative adverse events were documented. RESULTS: There were 225 males and 1 female patient. The age distribution showed a bimodal pattern in the whole cohort, but once the 48 (20%) elite athletes were excluded, the age was normally distributed, peaking in the 5th decade. Direct repairs were performed in 184 cases and reconstruction with Achilles tendon allograft in 45 cases. An adverse event was observed in 34 (19%) patients who underwent direct repair and in 3 (7%) cases with graft reconstruction, corresponding to RR of 0.32 (95% CI 0.1-0.96, p = 0.04). Adjusting with the potential confounders (age, occupation and smoking), the OR was 0.35; 95% CI 0.09-1.3, p = 0.11). Adverse events included 28 (12.3% of all adverse events) lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LABCN) neurapraxias, 5 (2.1%) other neurapraxias, 6 (2.6%) heterotopic ossifications and 1 (0.4%) re-rupture. Twenty-three (10%) patients reported prodromal symptoms before the tear. CONCLUSIONS: DBTT is a condition that affects men predominantly. The observed bimodal incidence distribution was related to elite athletes, but in the normal population the peak occurs at the age typical to tendinopathies. LABCN neurapraxia was the most common adverse event, and graft use does not seem to predispose to adverse events.

Achilles Tendon Allograft for Superior Capsule Reconstruction in Irreparable Massive Rotator Cuff Tears.

BACKGROUD: Treatment remains a challenge in massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCTs), and superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) has become an increasingly popular choice. The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes after SCR using an Achilles tendon allograft in irreparable massive RCTs. METHODS: From December 2015 to March 2018, 11 patients (mean age, 66.3 ± 5.8 years) with irreparable massive RCTs who underwent SCR using an Achilles tendon allograft were enrolled in this study. The range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS), clinical scores, muscle strength, and acromiohumeral distance (AHD) were measured preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months, and final follow-up postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively to assess the global fatty degeneration index and graft failure. Ultrasonography was also conducted preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months, and final follow-up postoperatively to assess graft continuity. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 27.6 months (range, 24-32 months). The shoulder ROM at final follow-up increased significantly in forward flexion (p = 0.023), external rotation (p = 0.018), internal rotation (p = 0.016), and abduction (p = 0.011). All patients showed improvement in VAS score (p = 0.005) and clinical scores (p < 0.001) compared with the preoperative state. Pseudoparalysis improved in all patients. The AHD was 3.88 mm (± 1.21 mm) preoperatively, 7.75 mm (± 1.52 mm, p = 0.014) at 6 months postoperatively, and 6.37 mm (± 1.72 mm, p = 0.031) at final follow-up. Graft removal and synovectomy were performed in 1 patient who developed postoperative infections. Radiological failure on follow-up MRI occurred in 2 patients at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SCR using an Achilles tendon allograft in irreparable massive RCTs achieved functional and clinical improvement. The use of Achilles tendon allograft also has the advantages of short operation time without donor site morbidity, sufficient thickness, and robustness; therefore, this allograft can be a useful graft for SCR.

Extreme stiff knee recurvatum following manipulation under anesthesia and botulinum neurotoxin injection.

In this article we report a case of stiff, neglected extreme recurvatum knee deformity in a 17-year-old female. This is the first reported case in the literature of an acquired ligamentous stiff extreme knee recurvatum following manipulation under anesthesia and botulinum neurotoxin injection. Μodified Judet quadricepsplasty combined with Ilizarov external hinged frame fixation was implemented. This dual technique can be considered as a rational approach for such an extreme deformity as it stabilizes, progressively corrects, and prevents recurrence. A patellar tendon rupture caused by the increasing tension of the extensor mechanism following the correction was treated successfully using a cadaveric Achilles tendon allograft.

Excision and Reconstruction of Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Involving the Achilles Tendon in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report.

CASE: We describe a case of a 9-year-old boy who presented with a left calf mass consistent with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma involving the Achilles tendon. The patient underwent radical resection of the Achilles tendon and Achilles tendon allograft reconstruction. At 2.5-year follow-up, the child had full ankle range of motion and strength and no signs of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Radical resection of Achilles tendon in the setting of malignancy and reconstruction with allograft is a rare procedure that has not been previously described in the pediatric population. Orthopaedic oncologists can consider this option for the rare malignancies involving the Achilles tendon.

Double-Bundle Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

The optimal surgical technique for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction is a topic of debate among knee surgeons. There are many variables to consider including graft selection, graft fixation method, and single- versus double-bundle reconstruction. While there is a need for ongoing research to elucidate which technique yields the best results, this article discusses recent literature on the topic of single- versus double-bundle PCL reconstruction as well as the senior author's preferred reconstruction method.

Neglected Achilles tendon rupture associated with rheumatoid arthritis: a case report and a brief review of the literature.

We report a case about a 69-year-old man, suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, diagnosed with a neglected Achilles tendon rupture. Considering the large Achilles tendon gap and the bad quality of the autologous tendons caused by rheumatoid disease, a reconstruction using an Achilles tendon with calcaneus bone block allograft was performed, with excellent clinical and functional outcomes.

Reconstruction of Chronic Patellar Tendon Injury with Achilles Tendon Allograft: A Case Report.

CASE: There have been several methods described for the reconstruction of chronic patellar tendon injuries in the native knee. Here, we report a former athlete who sustained a tibial tubercle fracture as an adolescent and presented with functional deficits from a patellar tendon that healed in elongation after the removal of hardware and debridement of ossifications within the tendon. He underwent reconstruction with Achilles allograft. CONCLUSIONS: Achilles tendon allograft is a good option for reconstructing chronic patellar tendon injuries. Our patient had an excellent outcome at 1 year.

Mechanoreceptors in Remnant Posterior Cruciate Ligament and Achilles Tendon Allografts After Remnant-Preserving Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Hematoxylin-Eosin and Immunohistochemical Assessments.

BACKGROUND: Mechanoreceptor is a subtype of somatosensory receptor. It conveys extracellular stimuli through intracellular signal conduction via mechanically gated ion channel. It conveys not only kinetic stimuli but also pressure, stretching, touch, and even sound wave. Few studies have determined whether mechanoreceptors are present in Achilles tendon allografts used during remnant-preserving posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction (PCLR). PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose was to investigate whether mechanoreceptors are present in remnant tissues of the PCL and allograft tissues after PCLR. It was hypothesized that mechanoreceptors may be present in the remnant PCL tissue of the patients who underwent remnant PCLR technique. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Tissue samples were obtained from 14 participants who had undergone PCLR by means of Achilles tendon allografts (PCLR group) and from 4 healthy controls (control group). Among the PCLR group, 12 patients had undergone a remnant PCLR technique and the remaining 2 patients had undergone a nonremnant PCLR technique. In the PCLR group, we obtained samples during second-look arthroscopy or total knee arthroplasty after PCLR. In the control group, 4 biopsy specimens of normal PCL tissues were obtained from patients who had undergone other arthroscopic procedures. To check the presence of mechanoreceptors, immunohistochemical studies were performed on all biopsy specimens to identify neuronal and neurocytic markers by using monoclonal antibodies against glial fibrillary acidic protein, neuron-specific enolase, neurofilament, and S-100 protein. Only 1 of these markers needed to be positive to prove the presence of mechanoreceptors. RESULTS: Neural tissue analogs, confirmed to be mechanoreceptors with monoclonal antibodies by the Ultraview DAB detection kit, were found in all specimens obtained from the control group. Mechanoreceptors were not found in the allograft specimens. However, remnant PCL tissues were found to have mechanoreceptors in 11 of 12 samples (91.7%). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that Achilles tendon allografts lack mechanoreceptors. This study can be used as histological evidence to support the advantage of remnant-preserving techniques for PCLR because they preserve proprioception. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To preserve proprioception, which leads to better functional outcome, using the remnant technique is a better procedure for PCL reconstruction.

Surgical Treatment of Combined ACL PCL Medial Side Injuries.

The multiple ligament knee injury involving the medial collateral ligament, anterior cruciate ligament, and posterior cruciate ligament is typically the result of a high-energy trauma or knee dislocation event. Optimal treatment strategies are debated, specifically in regard to timing of surgery, reconstruction/repair techniques, and postoperative protocols. This review details the stepwise treatment of these complex patients from diagnosis to postoperative rehabilitation and summarizes the current literature.

Combined ACL-PCL-Medial and Lateral Side Injuries (Global Laxity).

The multiple ligament injured knee is a complex problem in orthopedic surgery. These injuries may or may not present as acute knee dislocations, and careful assessment of the extremity vascular and neurological status is essential because of the possibility of arterial and/or venous compromise, and nerve injury. These complex injuries require a systematic approach to evaluation and treatment. Physical examination and imaging studies enable the surgeon to make a correct diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan. Knee stability is improved postoperatively when evaluated with knee ligament rating scales, arthrometer testing, and stress radiographic analysis. Surgical timing depends upon the injured ligaments, vascular status of the extremity, reduction stability, and the overall health of the patient. The use of allograft tissue is preferred because of the strength of these large grafts, and the absence of donor site morbidity.

Arthroscopic Superior Capsule Reconstruction and Rotator Cuff Repair to Restore Static and Dynamic Stability of the Shoulder.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCT) has shown limited clinical success and a variety of subsequent complications. Superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) has been proved to reestablish superior stability but does not restore the dynamic force or shoulder kinematics. There are numerous reports of the short-term failure of SCR grafts at the glenoid side, which relate to the non-biological healing of grafts. To restore both dynamic and static stability and to provide biologic augmentation, an integrated procedure for massive irreparable RCT using an Achilles tendon-bone allograft (ATBA) was developed. METHOD: This was a retrospect study completed between October 2019 and April 2020. A 71-year-old woman with massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears was enrolled in our study. The ATBA was folded into a double-layer structure. The superior layer (proximal portion) served as a bridge patch to dynamic the glenohumeral joint, while the inferior layer (distal portion) served as the superior capsule to restore static stability of glenohumeral joint. To enhance biologic healing on the glenoid side, we fixed the calcaneus of the graft on the superior-posterior side of the superior glenoid rim. The recovery of shoulder function (including strength, range of motion, acromiohumeral interval, and fatty infiltration) was assessed at 6 months postoperation. RESULT: At 6-month follow-up, the patient's strength had improved significantly (from abduction of grade 3 preoperatively to grade 4 at 6 months). Radiographic analysis showed an increase in the acromiohumeral interval from 3 to 7 mm. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intact graft, with the thickness of the ligament part maintained (at 6-7 mm). Most importantly, recovery of atrophy and fatty infiltration of the supraspinatus were observed. No graft tears were observed on the glenoid side. CONCLUSION: This technique could provide a preferable treatment option by restoring shoulder kinematics and augmentating biological healing for patients with massive irreparable RCT.

Quantitative assessment of neural elements in a rat model using nerve growth factor after remnant-preserving anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a histological and immunofluorescence pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Immunofluorescence analyses of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) allografts following remnant-preserving ACL reconstruction using Achilles tendon allografts have provided evidence for the presence of neural elements. In this study, we aimed to examine the expression of neural elements and quantify the presence of neural cells in ACL remnants and Achilles allografts using nerve growth factor (NGF) therapy after remnant-preserving ACL reconstruction. METHODS: Experiments were conducted on 5 pairs of rats (approximately 8 weeks old and weighing 320 g at the time of surgery). Longitudinally, split Achilles tendons from the paired rats were freshly frozen and later defrosted with warm saline and allografted onto the right ACL of the other rat that was partially detached at the femoral attachment site. A sham operation was conducted on the left knee to be used as a control. NGF was injected into both knee joints every week for 6 weeks after surgery. The presence of neural cells in the ACL of the sham-operated knee, allografted Achilles tendon, and ACL remnant was examined 6 weeks post-surgery using H and E and immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS: H and E staining did not reveal neural cells in any of the three groups. However, immunofluorescence analysis showed the presence of nestin-positive neural elements in the normal ACL tissues as well as ACL remnants. Additionally, neural elements were examined in 7 of the 8 (87.5%) allograft tissues. Quantitative analysis showed no difference in the number or area of nuclei among the three groups. However, the number and area of neural cells in the Achilles allografts were significantly lower than those in the other two groups (p = 0.000 and p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our observations indicate that ACL remnants promote the new ingrowth and persistence of neural cells. We suggest that the ingrowth of neural elements can support the persistence and new ingrowth of mechanoreceptors, thereby enhancing the functional stability of knee joints. Moreover, the expression of neural cells in the Achilles allografts was lower than that in normal ACL tissues and ACL remnants in the quantitative evaluation, thereby confirming the essential role of ACL remnants in knee joint functionalization.

The effect of autologous Achilles bursal tissue implants in tendon-to-bone healing of rotator cuff tears in rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of autologous bursal tissue derived from the Achilles bursa on tendon-to-bone healing after rotator cuff tear repair in a rat model. METHODS: A total of 136 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to either an untreated or a bursal tissue application group or biomechanical testing and histologic testing after rotator cuff repair. After separating the supraspinatus tendon close to the greater tuberosity, the tendon was reattached either unaltered or with a bursal tissue interposition sewn onto the interface. Immunohistologic analysis was performed 1 and 7 weeks after supraspinatus tendon reinsertion. Biomechanical testing of the tendon occurred 6 and 7 weeks after reinsertion. RESULTS: Immunohistologic results demonstrated a significantly higher percentage of Type II collagen (P = .04) after 1 and 7 weeks in the tendon-to-bone interface using autologous bursal tissue in comparison to control specimens. The bursa group showed a significantly higher collagen I to III quotient (P = .03) at 1 week after surgery in comparison to the 7-week postsurgery bursa groups and controls. Biomechanical assessment showed that overall tendon stiffness (P = .002) and the tendon viscoelasticity in the bursa group (P = .003) was significantly improved after 6 and 7 weeks. There was no significant difference (P = .55) in force to failure between the bursa group and the control group after 6 and 7 weeks. CONCLUSION: Autologous bursal tissue derived from the Achilles bursa and implanted to the tendon-to-bone interface after rotator cuff repair facilitates a faster healing response to re-establish the biologic and biomechanical integrity of the rotator cuff in rats.

Excision Arthroplasty With Interpositional Achilles Tendon Autograft: A Novel Approach to Talonavicular Joint Osteoarthritis Associated With Ankle Arthrodesis.

Talonavicular joint arthritis is a great concern after ankle fusion. Although arthrodesis is the gold standard treatment for this complication, it could initiate a vicious cycle of further adjacent joint arthritis. An alternative that may delay or eliminate the need for arthrodesis is excision arthroplasty; however, there are only a few reports on its application on a talonavicular joint. We report 3 cases of excision arthroplasty with interpositional Achilles tendon autograft for the treatment of end-stage talonavicular osteoarthritis in low-demand elderly patients. In 1 patient, excision arthroplasty was performed after tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis, and in 2 patients, it was performed after tibiotalar arthrodesis, in which the subtalar joints were also damaged and fused simultaneously on performance of the interpositional arthroplasty of the talonavicular joint. In all cases, pain relief and functional activities of daily living improvement were achieved with this procedure. At a minimum follow-up of 1 year, no patient reported adjacent joint symptoms or flatfoot progression. These cases show that interpositional arthroplasty with Achilles tendon autograft is an effective treatment for end-stage talonavicular arthritis in patients with fused ankle and subtalar joints. This procedure was helpful in relieving pain and improving activities of daily living function in low-demand elderly patients with the preservation of movement of the talonavicular joint. Autograft was considered to be superior to other grafts with respect to availability, graft rejection, or allergy development. Fused subtalar joint resolved the concerning issues, such as flatfoot progression and muscular weakness of ankle plantar flexion, associated with this procedure.

Case Report of a Complex Chest Wall Reconstruction with a Cadaveric Achilles Tendon.

BACKGROUND Chest wall reconstruction is sometimes needed after resection of a thoracic malignancy. Various materials and techniques have been utilized to restore stability and integrity to the chest wall. We report what we believe is the first use of a cadaveric Achilles tendon to restore stability and function to the chest wall of a young woman who underwent chest wall resection and right upper lobectomy for a superior sulcus tumor. CASE REPORT A 46-year-old woman underwent resection of her first through fourth right ribs in addition to her right upper lobe for a squamous cell superior sulcus tumor. Because it was felt her right scapula provided sufficient coverage of her resultant chest wall defect, her chest wall was not reconstructed post-operatively. The patient experienced 2 episodes of scapular prolapse into her thoracic cavity several months after her resection. After the second episode, her right chest wall was successfully reconstructed with a cadaveric Achilles tendon to prevent further episodes of prolapse. CONCLUSIONS We believe this is the first description of chest wall reconstruction with a cadaveric Achilles tendon. The use of a cadaveric Achilles tendon should be considered for reconstruction of the chest wall after complex resection due to its strength characteristics, resistance to subsequent infection, and availability.

Combined quadriceps lengthening (using an external ring fixator) and patellar tendon reconstruction (using a tendoachilles allograft) in a case of chronic patellar tendon rupture: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Patellar tendon rupture is an infrequent and debilitating condition, which if left untreated, is complicated by quadriceps contracture and patella alta. This results in reduced function of the knee extensor mechanism including extension lag, reduced range of motion (ROM), chronic knee pain, and frequent falls. Early primary repair has good results in most cases and is performed by opposing and suturing the tendon ends. However, when there is a delay between rupture and repair or in case of a re-rupture, primary repair techniques may not work due to retraction of the extensor mechanism. Several treatment modalities have been proposed in such cases, but there is no clear consensus. METHODOLOGY: We present the case of a 39-year-old male with chronic rupture of patellar tendon that was reconstructed with a two-stage technique. In the first stage, a ring-fixator was applied to stretch the quadriceps muscle and the second stage consisted of reconstruction of the patellar tendon with a tendoachilles allograft. This procedure was performed in two stages five weeks apart and almost four years after the initial injury. RESULTS: Results were excellent at three years' follow-up with the patient achieving full extension, a ROM of 0-110° and 85% quadriceps strength. There was significant improvement in his pain, mobility and quadriceps bulk. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this treatment has not previously been described in the literature. We present this case as a proven treatment option for treatment of chronic patellar tendon injuries with extensor mechanism shortening.

PCL Transtibial Tunnel Reconstruction.

The keys to successful posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction are to identify and treat all pathology, use strong graft material, accurately place tunnels in anatomic insertion sites, minimize graft bending, mechanical graft tensioning, secure graft fixation, and the appropriate postoperative rehabilitation program. Adherence to these technical principles results in successful single and double bundle arthroscopic transtibial tunnel PCL reconstruction based upon stress radiography, arthrometer, knee ligament rating scales, and patient satisfaction measurements. The purpose of this article is to describe the arthroscopic transtibial tunnel PCL reconstruction surgical technique.