Patellar Tendon Reconstruction Using Hamstring Tendon and Adjustable Suspensory Cortical Fixation

Abstract

Chronic patellar tendon rupture is a rare injury; extensor mechanism impairment leads to great disability in daily life. The delayed diagnosis and reconstruction of chronic patellar tendon ruptures are technically challenging. Numerous surgical procedures have been described with bone-tendon-bone graft, hamstring graft, artificial ligament, and allograft. We describe safe, reproducible anatomic reconstruction of the patellar tendon using hamstring tendon and adjustable suspensory fixation. After harvesting of the hamstrings, the graft is prepared with 2 adjustable suspensory fixation devices. Then, a complete tibial tunnel and a patellar tunnel with a socket are drilled with the appropriate diameter, and the graft is pulled through the tunnels. Finally, the suspensory fixation devices on the tibial and patellar sides are tensioned. The aim of this procedure is to obtain complete mobility of the knee, using a procedure similar to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in graft preparation.