Endoscopic Resection of Gouty Tophus of the Patellar Tendon

Tophaceous deposition of tendon can result in spontaneous patellar tendon rupture. Surgical therapy may be needed to control symptoms and prevent tendon rupture. Open debridement of the lesion requires a lengthy incision over the lesion; this may result in symptomatic scar adhesion of the patellar tendon or an unhealed wound with persistent tophaceous discharge. Moreover, the other part of the patellar tendon cannot be examined through the incision. We describe a technique for endoscopic resection of a gouty tophus of the patellar tendon. It has the advantage of small incisions away from the lesion and tendon and minimizes wound problems. The whole patellar tendon can be examined endoscopically.