Patellar Tendon Rupture During Postoperative Physiotherapy for Crouch Gait: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Pediatric rehabilitation
• Biomechanical injury

Background:

• A 14-year-old female with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy underwent bilateral distal femur extension osteotomy and patellar tendon plication.
• Two and a half months post-surgery, during physical therapy, she experienced a mid-substance tear of the left patellar tendon.

Observation:

• The patient sustained a patellar tendon rupture during a routine physiotherapy session.
• The injury occurred in the context of post-operative rehabilitation following corrective lower limb surgery.

Findings:

• The patellar tendon rupture was successfully managed with surgical repair.
• Augmentation using a tensor fascia lata autograft was employed for the tendon repair.

Implications:

• This case highlights the rarity of patellar tendon rupture during physiotherapy after patellar tendon plication.
• Gradual progression of postoperative protocols is crucial for patients with cerebral palsy to improve knee range of motion.
• Patellar tendon repair combined with fascia lata augmentation demonstrates a favorable outcome.