Reconstructing the Extensor Apparatus with a New Polyester Ligament

Abstract

We analyzed the clinical outcome of patients who had reconstruction of the extensor apparatus with a new polyester ligament after extensive resection of malignant tumors around the knee. Twenty-two patients were included; 19 were evaluated after a mean followup of 44 months (range, 8-67 months) to assess active and passive knee range of motion, walking ability, need for revision, and TESS and Enneking scores. The patients were divided into two groups; patients in Group A had a weakened extensor mechanism and patients in Group B had a completely dissected extensor mechanism. Seven patients had excellent knee function with an extension lag less than 5 degrees. Five patients had an extension deficit less than 20 degrees, three patients had a deficit less than 40 degrees, and four patients could not extend their limb against gravity. However, all patients were able to walk without walking aids. They had a mean Enneking score of 83 points and a mean TESS score of 82 points. Patients who had distal femur resections had worse results than patients who had proximal tibia resections. The LARS ligament proved promising for augmentation and complete reconstruction of the extensor apparatus of the knee after extensive tumor resection, with excellent and good results in 59% of patients.