Traumatic patella tendon rupture: early mobilisation following surgical repair

This study aims to demonstrate that postoperative immobilisation in a cast is unnecessary following suture repair of the patella tendon and retinacula protected by a cerlage wire. We present 11 patients mean age 42 years evaluated at a mean of 26 months (range 14-38 months). The mean Lysholm knee score at review was 97 (range 92-100). The mean Insall Salvati measurement (length patella/length tendon (LP/LT)) was 1 (range 0.95-1.1). No patients had fixed flexion deformities or demonstrated an extensor lag and the average range of motion was 0-137 degrees. The difference between the operated and control knee at the time of assessment was: a mean loss of power of 6% (range 2-11) when measuring concentric extension and a mean loss of 7% power (range 13 to an increase of 12) in concentric flexion. We conclude that primary repair protected with a cerlage wire and early mobilisation gives excellent results in the treatment of isolated traumatic patella tendon ruptures and cast immobilisation postoperatively is not required.