Authors:

Evan P. Shoemaker, B.A., Luke V. Tollefson, B.S., Dustin R. Lee, M.D., Matthew T. Rasmussen, M.D., Riccardo Cristiani, M.D., Ph.D., and Robert F. LaPrade, M.D., Ph.D.

Abstract:

Chronic injuries to the extensor mechanism present unique challenges to physicians because of their complex nature and the need for a multifactorial treatment approach. When conservative treatment is unsuccessful in the setting of patellar tendinopathy, surgical intervention may be required to improve symptoms. For patients with concomitant lateral patellar instability, surgical treatment is also indicated to prevent future dislocations and worsening patellofemoral symptoms. Current literature presents numerous patellar tendon and medial patellofemoral ligament arthroscopic and open reconstruction techniques with varying short- and long-term outcomes. Known risk factors must be considered preoperatively when addressing patellofemoral pathology. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe a technically challenging procedure to treat concomitant severe patellar tendinopathy with concurrent lateral patellar instability.
Technique video appears in the study from Arthroscopy Techniques. Video Credit: Evan P. Shoemaker, B.A., Luke V. Tollefson, B.S., Dustin R. Lee, M.D., Matthew T. Rasmussen, M.D., Riccardo Cristiani, M.D., Ph.D., and Robert F. LaPrade, M.D., Ph.D.

Injury to the extensor mechanism of the knee is common.1,2 Severe patellar tendinopathy results from the overuse and gradual degeneration of the patellar tendon fibers, frequently located posterior/posteromedially at the inferior pole of the patella and observed at greater rates in patients younger than 40 years of age, and severe cases may require surgical treatment.2,3 Primary lateral patellar dislocations have a relatively low incidence of recurrent instability, with recurrent dislocation observed near 17%.4 If re-dislocation occurs, there is an exponential increase (50%) for additional dislocations.1

Numerous surgical techniques are described for these conditions in isolation.2,5, 6, 7 In the setting of severe patellar tendinopathy, open or arthroscopic debridement and reconstruction of the patellar tendon with hamstring autografts are described.8 In the case of recurrent patellar instability, medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction with quadriceps or hamstring autograft has been reported as having postoperative success. We describe a patellar tendon reconstruction with hamstring autografts and MPFL reconstruction with quadriceps tendon autograft in the setting of severe patellar tendinopathy with chronic recurrent patellofemoral instability.

You can download the study: Concomitant Patellar Tendon Reconstruction With Hamstring Autografts and Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction With Quadriceps Autograft in the Setting of Severe Patellar Tendinopathy With Recurrent Lateral Patellar Instability