Abstract
Prolonged immobilization of the knee after repair of the patellar tendon can result
in decreased patellar mobility, limited flexion, persistent pain, muscle weakness,
and patella infra. In contrast, early motion prevents many of these unwanted effects.
We evaluated the outcome of surgical repairs augmented by a distally based semitendinosus
autograft to allow early mobilization. Between January 2010 and October 2010, 15 patients
with patellar tendon ruptures were admitted; their average age was 37 years (range,
28–53). By 6 weeks after surgery, 120 degrees of flexion and brace-free ambulation
were reached in most patients. By 6 months, most patients had recovered their preinjury
levels of activity. At a minimum follow-up of 24 months, results of surgical repair
were assessed with the Lysholm scoring. Five cases were excellent, nine cases were
good, and one case was poor. Patella tendon repair augmented by semitendinosus tendon
was strong enough to permit early motion and weight bearing with achievement of good
and excellent results.
Keywords
patellar tendon - augmentation - semitendinosus
