Recurrent patellar tendon rupture: Reconstruction using ipsilateral gracilis and semitendinosus tendon autografts

Abstract

Extension disability as a result of recurrent patellar tendon rupture is a rare and surgically challenging problem. This is because repetitive injury results in a massive loss of tendon fibres and thus substantially diminishes the possibility of adequate reinsertion. In this case, an augmentation and/or reconstruction of the patellar tendon is required. Here, we describe an operative technique for the reconstruction of the patellar tendon using the ipsilateral semitendinosus and gracilis (STG) tendon autografts following a recurrent patellar tendon tear.