125 Surgical Outcomes and Graft Use in Quadriceps & Patella Tendon Rupture Repairs

Abstract

Abstract Aim Quadriceps and patella tendon ruptures are relatively uncommon injuries affecting approximately 1% and 0.5% of the population respectively. The literature surrounding preferable surgical technique, graft implant used, and surgical outcomes are relatively obscure. We audited all quadricep and patella tendon repairs within the trust to identify whether they have the same surgical outcomes, if any factors affect surgical outcomes and if there is a graft/implant which has superior outcomes. Method We conducted a retrospective cohort study which included 34 patients who had undergone a patella or quadriceps tendon rupture repair, over a 5-year period. The outcomes assessed were surgical failure, long term complications and graft/implant used. Results Our data demonstrated that patella tendon rupture repairs carried higher failure rates (14%) and poorer surgical outcomes (42%) than quadriceps tendon rupture repairs. Within the patella cohort, revision surgery was required due to decreased range of movement secondary to loosening of the graft. A wide variety of graft/implant were used in surgical fixation, however there was no significance in surgical outcomes or complications. It was apparent that weight was a significant factor in tendon rupture injury, however co-morbidities, medications or lifestyle appeared to have no impact on surgical outcomes. Conclusions The findings of our single centre study are inconclusive due to small sample size; however, it is apparent that patella tendon repair ruptures are associated with higher failure rates and poorer outcomes. A regional study would provide a larger cohort of patients to help determine the objectives outlined in this study.