Percutaneous reconstruction of patellar tendon using semitendinosus tendon in chronic patellar tendon injury — case series and outcome

BackgroundChronic patellar tendon injuries are rare. Patients with these debilitating injuries present with extension lag and quadriceps atrophy. Diagnosis is usually made on a clinical background. Various methods of reconstruction of torn patellar tendon have been described and the ideal method of treatment is a matter of debate.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of nine patients with chronic patellar tendon injury that came to us between June 2006 and July 2012. In all patients, the patellar tendon was reconstructed percutaneously using semitendinosus tendon. Picrusting of quadriceps was required in two patients to pull the patella down.ResultAverage follow-up was 4.5 years. At final follow-up Lysholm score, Siwek and Rao grading were good to excellent in all patients, and at 12 months, all patients showed quadriceps strength 80% or more of opposite quadriceps.ConclusionPercutaneous reconstruction of the patellar tendon in chronic patellar tendon injury using semitendinosus tendon gives excellent result. Picrusting of quadriceps along with lateral release may be required to pull the patella down.Level of evidenceLevel IV.