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Updated: Aug 22, 2025

Polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE as a Suture Material in Tendon Surgery
Published on: October 6, 2022
Spontaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture treated with polyethylene terephthalate tape augmentation: Report of
Antonio Bove, Nicola Orabona, Vincenzo De Matteo1
1Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Ospedale del Mare, 80147 Naples, Italy. dematteovincenzo@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Spontaneous rupture of quadriceps tendon (QT) is a rare condition and it is commonly associated with systemic comorbidities and medical products assumption, which may lead to tendon degeneration. While unilateral rupture is a quite common injury, spontaneous bilateral ruptures are very rare. Herein, we report two consecutive cases of spontaneous bilateral QT rupture in two patients with a positive history of chronic statin use, successfully treated with bilateral single-stage reconstruction with polyethylene-terephthalate tape augmentation. At 12 months of follow-up, both patients recovered the full extension, a 120° pain-free flexion and knee scores improvement. Magnetic resonance imaging at one year showed a complete, bilateral, bio-integration of the augmentation for each knee. In conclusion, polyethylene terephthalate tape augmentation provides a good structural support with a good grade of bio-integration, allowing a fast recovery.

