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)

Key words: patellar tendon, primary repair, chronic, allograft, augmentation, military