Patellar Tendon Reconstruction for Chronic Patellar Tendon Rupture Using Hamstring Tendons: The Reverse Double...

Chronic patellar tendon rupture has devastating functional consequences attributable to the loss of the extensor mechanism. Repairing a neglected patellar tendon rupture is challenging and often nearly impossible because of proximal patellar retraction and the poor quality of the remaining tendon. In this Technical Note, we describe a surgical technique for chronic patellar tendon reconstruction using semitendinosus and gracilis tendon autografts. Both tendons are left attached to the tibia and passed in a reverse figure-of-eight configuration to reconstruct the patellar tendon. The remaining viable patellar tendon tissue is reinserted into the tibia using a 5.5-mm anchor to restore the patellar height and enhance graft healing.