Traumatic Patellar Tendon Rupture Repair Using Synthetic Ligament Augmentation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Patellar tendon rupture is uncommon, typically managed with nonabsorbable sutures.
• Augmentation techniques like cerclage wires, cables, or grafts are used to enhance repair stability.
• The use of artificial ligaments for augmentation remains an area for investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate functional outcomes 1 year after patellar tendon repair augmented with an artificial ligament.
• To assess complication incidence, range of motion, patient satisfaction, and patellar height post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Thirty cases of traumatic patellar tendon rupture repaired with suture augmentation using an artificial ligament (LT60, Orthomed) between 2015-2016.
• Functional outcomes measured by Lysholm score, complications, range of motion, patient satisfaction, and Caton-Deschamps Index at 1 year.

Main Results:

• Median Lysholm score of 96 at 1 year post-surgery.
• No reported complications including rerupture, infection, or need for secondary surgery.
• Median Caton-Deschamps Index of 1 post-surgery, indicating normal patellar height.

Conclusions:

• Artificial ligament augmentation of patellar tendon repair yields excellent functional results and high patient satisfaction.
• This method demonstrates a low complication profile, comparable or superior to existing augmentation techniques.