Reconstruction and restoration of neglected ruptured patellar tendon using semitendinosus and gracilis tendons with preserved distal insertions: Two case reports

Neglected rupture of the patellar tendon is rare but becomes more difficult to repair the longer it is left untreated. The most common rupture sites are the inferior pole of the patella and distal insertion. Proximal retraction of the patella and extensor mechanism adhesions makes the treatment more difficult than acute tendon rupture. We report two patients with neglected patellar tendon rupture treated by reconstruction and restoration using semitendinosus-gracilis (STG) tendons with preserved distal insertions. Preserved distal insertion provided sufficient blood supply to accelerate healing, while combined fixation with tension-reducing wire, offered the initial stability of the closed-loop sutured tendon. Both patients reacquired near normal strength and stability of the patellar tendon and restoration of function after operation and rehabilitation.