ABSTRACT

Objective:

Assessment of patients with neglected patellar tendon ruptures treated with semitendinosus and gracilis autograft reconstruction.

Material and Methods:

We assessed 6 patients with neglected patellar tendon ruptures treated with semitendinosus and gracilis autograft reconstruction retrospectively. Lysholm score, physical examination, muscle strength and range of movement (ROM) were evaluated.

Results:

6 patients were included in the study. All patients were female. The mean age was 57.1 (49-62). The mean time between the injury and presentation was 12.8 months (11-15). The mean follow up time was 17.8 months (11-26). The mean Lysholm score was 82. ROM was between 0-110° with 5/5 muscle strength.

Conclusion:

The use of a semitendinosus and gracilis autograft for neglected patellar tendon ruptures reduces donor site morbidity, avoid specific risks related to allografts and does not require surgical revision to remove materials used to protect the reconstructed tendon.