Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Harvesting of Peroneus Longus Tendon Autograft
Published on: September 2, 2025
Case of Chronic Neglected Patellar Tendon Rupture Reconstruction Using Semitendinosus and Gracilis Tendon Autologous
S Gokul1, Muthukannan Hari Sivanandan1, S Siva Vignesh1
1Department of Orthopaedics, Vinayaka Mission's Kirupananda Variyar Medical College and Hospital, Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.
Introduction:
Patellar tendon rupture is an uncommon injury that may progress to a chronic or neglected state when initial diagnosis and treatment are delayed.
Case Report:
We report the case of a 17-year-old male who sustained a cut-laceration injury over the right knee that was sutured primarily elsewhere, following which he developed progressive instability and inability to actively extend the knee. Imaging revealed patella alta with a complete patellar tendon rupture. The patient underwent reconstruction using a modified Ecker's technique with semitendinosus and gracilis autografts passed through single tibial and patellar tunnels in figure-of-eight and figure-of-seven configurations, respectively, to restore the extensor mechanism. Post-operative rehabilitation involved staged mobilization with a hinged knee brace and progressive range-of-motion exercises. At 1-year follow-up, the patient had regained functional knee flexion, returned to daily activities, and demonstrated only minimal residual extension lag.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the effectiveness of hamstring autograft reconstruction using a biologic tension-band-like configuration for chronic neglected patellar tendon ruptures, allowing stable fixation, early rehabilitation, and satisfactory functional recovery.
