Authors’ Disclosure Statement: Dr. Paci reports that he receives research support and is an educational consultant for Arthrex, Rotation Medical, and Zimmer Biomet. Dr. Pawlak reports no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this article.
Dr. Paci is a Team Physician for Stony Brook University and an Associate Professor, and Dr. Pawlak is a Resident, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York.
Address correspondence to: James M. Paci, MD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, 101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794 (tel, 631-444-1496; email, james_paci@yahoo.com).
James M. Paci, MD Amanda Pawlak, MD . Knotless Tape Suture Fixation of Quadriceps Tendon Rupture: A Novel Technique. Am J Orthop. January 26, 2018
TAKE-HOME POINTS
Knotless tape suture fixation of the quadriceps tendon is biomechanically superior to traditional fixation techniques.
When passing locking Krackow stitches, be sure to take all slack out with each pass.
Consider double tapping the patella pilot holes prior to placing anchors, as the bone is very hard.
Palpate the articular surface of the patella when drilling pilot holes for safe placement.
Perform an adequate retinacular repair to complete the repair.
References
ABSTRACT
Quadriceps tendon ruptures disrupt the extensor mechanism of the knee and require urgent surgical management. Traditional repair techniques have had mixed biomechanical and clinical results risking weakness and extensor lag. We describe a novel technique using tape suture and knotless anchors, which has performed superiorly during biomechanical testing and yielded terrific early clinical results.
