Modified Technique for Patellar Tendon Repair Post-Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION: Rupture of patellar tendon following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a rare but disabling complication. Results of the primary repair of the patellar tendon after the TKA are associated with higher complication rates and a poor outcome. We report a rare case of traumatic patellar rupture, 5 years after the TKA managed using a primary repair with good post-operative outcome. CASE REPORT: A 75-year-old female was operated for sequential bilateral Grade 4 osteoarthritis. Five years after the left-sided TKA, she sustained a fall while coming down the stairs and avulsed her patellar tendon on the left side. The management in our case was done by primary repair using two techniques with augmentation using autologous semitendinosus free graft. CONCLUSION: Management of a patellar tendon rupture/avulsion after TKA is unpredictable and associated with poor functional outcomes. Various methods have been described with inconsistent clinical evidences. The operating surgeon must consider the potential advantages and disadvantages of these techniques.