Quadriceps tendon repair using double row suture anchor fixation: Case reports and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic rupture of the quadricipital tendon is rare and disabling. The traditional repair technique involving transpatellar tunnels is still relevant, but this technique seems to be superseded for the technique using anchors. This study aimed to present the place of the anchors in quadriceps tendon tears, and assess the functional results after a means follow-up of 18.66 months. CASE REPORTS: We report 03 cases of acute rupture of the quadricipital tendon collected in the Trauma Surgery and Orthopaedics Department. The average age was 53.66 years, all patients were male, the rupture occurred after a sporting accident in one case, and in 2 cases concerning minimal trauma from a fall in 2 patients followed for renal failure. The average consultation time was 48 h. The right knee was affected in 2. The clinical presentation was identical in all patients with the deficit of active extension of the leg. All patients were treated surgically with the use of double row anchors. The technique used consisted of insertion of two 5.0 mm anchors at the base of the patella, and the proximal part of the quadricipital tendon was sutured with heavy absorbable sutures using Krakow suture. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 18.66 months, no infectious complications were noted, no active extension deficit and the active flexion average was 123.33°. CONCLUSION: The rupture of the quadricipital tendon is a rare injury. Surgical treatment by double row anchors gives excellent results with a satisfactory medium-term functional recovery and allow early rehabilitation.