Reconstruction of the extensor apparatus with advanced structural defects in knee revision arthroplasty

• Published in: Operative Orthopädie und Traumatologie Vol. 34; no. 2; pp. 129 - 140
• Main Authors: Welle, K, Hackenberg, R K, Kabir, K, Habicht, I, Wirtz, D C, Kohlhof, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: German
• Published: Germany 01-04-2022
• Subjects: Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee - methods; Humans; Knee Joint - surgery; Patellar Ligament - surgery; Rupture - surgery; Treatment Outcome; Knee; Insufficiency of the extensor apparatus; Total knee arthroplasty; Extensor tendon reconstruction; Revision arthroplasty; Gastrocnemius muscle flap
• ISSN: 1439-0981
• DOI: 10.1007/s00064-021-00746-3

Restoration of the extensor apparatus in the case of advanced tendon defects as part of revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Reconstruction and augmentation using vascularized gastrocnemius muscle and tendon.
Advanced degeneration of the extensor apparatus (patella tendon; quadriceps tendon) with or without discontinuity, following revision arthroplasty.
Persistent infection or pending TKA revision. Damaged gastrocnemius or soleus muscle or Achilles tendon.
Extension of the surgical TKA-access medial-distally. Separation of the medial gastrocnemius muscle along the raphe and preparation of the distal tendon from the soleus portion. Transposition into the defect site, augmentation or reconstruction of the defect by double turn of the gastrocnemius tendon. The muscle belly serves to adequately cover the tendon as well as the ventral knee joint. Mesh coverage of the muscle.
Immobilization of the knee and ankle for 10 days until mesh graft healing. Stepwise increasing flection of the knee with 30°/60°/90° every 2 weeks. Total weight bearing with secured full extended knee, no weight bearing with flexed knee for 6 weeks.
In 9 patients, 3 with complete rupture of the patellar tendon, 5 with destruction of the extensor apparatus, and 1 patient with rupture of the quadriceps tendon following TKA revision, good functional results were achieved with active extension of the knee joint and standing/gait stability 6 months after surgery.