Neglected patellar tendon rupture augmentation using fibertape augmentation: A case report

Rupture to the patellar tendon caused by athletic activities is rare, but if not treated promptly, it can lead to unfavorable results such as quadriceps contracture, residual weakness, and reduced knee flexibility.

A female patient who injured her knee seven months ago while twisting it experienced pain, instability, and tested positive for the anterior drawer and Lachman tests. Radiology results showed a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and a partial tear of the patellar tendon on the MRI scan of the right knee. We used a direct end-to-end approximation technique for the patellar tendon, with augmentation through the transosseous site at the patella proximally and tibial tubercle distally, without using a graft. The outcome was good, and this is the first reported case of a successful patellar tendon reconstruction without using implants, synthetic augmentation, or graft.

This technique could be a promising alternative to repair a chronic patellar tendon rupture without using expensive methods. The use of fiber tape augmentation can be a practical solution for treating a neglected patellar tendon rupture in conjunction with aligamentous injury that requires graft repair.

The use of fiber tape augmentation might be an alternative method for treating a neglected patellar tendon rupture with concurrent ligament injury needing graft repair. We believe that this technique is easily reproducible and warrants further investigation.