Chronic Quadricep Tendon Rupture Reconstruction with Poly-Tape and Achilles’ Tendon Allograft: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION: Chronic rupture of the quadriceps tendon is an uncommon but debilitating injury, seen only in 1.37/100,000 patients per annum. The problems associated with this injury are the inability to walk due to disruption of the extensor mechanism and pain. There is limited literature on the reconstruction methods for this injury. This study aims to provide a case report and review of similar cases, using artificial tape and allograft. CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old male patient was operated on for chronic quadriceps tendon rupture after falling on his knee with forced flexion. The surgical management in our case consisted of mobilization of the proximal quadriceps tendon and muscle belly with a V-Y tendon plasty, advancement of the tendon, and repair using the Krakow technique through intraosseous patellar tunnels, augmented with Poly-Tape (Neoligaments©) and an Achilles’ tendon allograft. This was used due to poor patient tissue quality and the extent of the defect. We also searched the literature for chronic quadriceps tendon ruptures reconstruction using poly tape or Achilles’ tendon allograft. CONCLUSION: Chronic quadriceps tendon rupture repairs have relatively poor outcomes, and no surgical procedure has been proven to be the gold standard treatment. We believe the novel combination of Poly-Tape supplemented with Achilles’ tendon allograft produces a structurally competent reconstruction in patients with poor tissue quality and large defects and produced good results in our case report.