Excision of Osteosarcoma of Patella without Extensor Mechanism Reconstruction: A Case Report

Osteogenic sarcoma of patella is extremely rare and only few cases have been reported in the literature so far. Limb salvage, particularly reconstructing extensors of the knee, is a matter of debate in available literature. Henceforth, we would like to present this uncommon case of patellar osteosarcoma in a young female managed by chemotherapy and wide excision without extensor mechanism reconstruction.

A 25-year-old female had a history of painless swelling around the left knee for 6 months, which was progressively increasing in size. It was diagnosed as osteoblastic osteosarcoma patella radiologically, confirmed by open biopsy. The patient was managed by recommended protocol comprising neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by tumor excision, thereafter chemotherapy in post-operative period. However, no reconstruction of the extensor mechanism was done. At 1-year follow-up, the patient was able to perform activities of daily living without any discomfort. She was able to ambulate unaided with no extensor lag.

For managing a case with osteosarcoma patella, chemotherapy along with optimal excision comprising total patellectomy without extensor mechanism reconstruction is a viable option.