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Sartorius muscle transfer for chronic quadriceps tendon rupture: A prospective study
Andrea Pintore1, Ernesto Pintore2, Giovanni Asparago1
1Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Salerno, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona, Salerno, Italy.
The Knee
|December 13, 2024
Summary
Sartorius muscle transfer effectively reconstructs the quadriceps tendon in chronic ruptures, offering satisfactory outcomes. This surgical technique shows promise for patients with large defects where direct repair is not feasible.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Musculoskeletal Research
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Quadriceps tendon rupture (QTR) is an uncommon injury, particularly in chronic cases with large defects.
- Traditional repair methods using sutures or transosseous anchors are often not feasible for chronic QTR.
- A gold standard surgical procedure for chronic QTR remains undefined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a novel surgical technique for chronic quadriceps tendon rupture.
- To assess the clinical outcomes of reconstructing the quadriceps tendon using an ipsilateral sartorius tendon transfer.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 19 patients with chronic QTR who underwent sartorius muscle transfer between January 2002 and April 2020.
- Data collected included the Knee Society Score (KSS), range of motion (ROM), and Medical Research Council (MRC) Scale for quadriceps tendon muscle strength.
- Preoperative and minimum 2-year postoperative assessments were performed.
Main Results:
- The study included 19 patients (12 female, mean age 53.4 years, mean BMI 28.5 kg/m²).
- At a mean follow-up of 53.4 months, significant improvements were observed in KSS (90.9), ROM (119.5° flexion), and quadriceps strength (MRC 4.5).
- Quadriceps tendon hypotrophy was the most frequent complication, noted in 14 patients.
Conclusions:
- Ipsilateral sartorius muscle transfer is a viable surgical option for chronic quadriceps tendon ruptures.
- Satisfactory clinical outcomes can be anticipated approximately 4.4 years post-surgery.
- This technique offers a reconstructive solution for chronic QTR when direct repair is not possible.
