Bifocal disruption of the knee extensor mechanism: a case report and literature review

Floating patella: Ipsilateral and simultaneous rupture of the quadriceps and patellar tendons in a young individual (a surgical case report)

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

The phenomenon of a floating patella or ipsilateral bifocal rupture of the extensor apparatus is an extremely rare injury, with few cases reported in the literature. The aim of this case study is to report an unprecedented event: the simultaneous trans-tendinous rupture of both quadriceps and patellar tendons in a young adult without predisposing factors, emphasizing the need for awareness in diagnosis and management, and suggesting a new avenue for research in prevention and rehabilitation.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of a 35-year-old patient with no significant medical history, who experienced this injury following a sudden start in a sprint without prior warm-up. The clinical examination revealed a swollen, painful knee with active extension deficit, patellar ascent, and a sub patellar hiatus. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) confirmed a trans-tendinous rupture of both the patellar and quadriceps tendons.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Tendon repair was performed using end-to-end sutures and a figure-8 reinforcement with the semitendinosus tendon, along with gracilis plastie to strengthen the patellar tendon repair. This methodological approach is discussed in the context of its effectiveness and potential implications for future surgical management of similar injuries.

CONCLUSION

After a 12-month follow-up, the patient exhibited highly satisfactory results, resuming both professional and sporting activities. To our knowledge, this is the first published case of a trans-tendinous rupture of the extensor apparatus tendons. This observation serves as a reference in understanding the mechanism and surgical management of such lesions, emphasizing the need for further research and clinical vigilance in similar cases.

Bifocal rupture of the patellar tendon in TKA: Case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Rupture of the extensor apparatus is a serious complication that can occur in a prosthetic knee. Bifocal extensor ruptures are rare and even more uncommon in adults.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of an obese, diabetic, and hypertensive patient who underwent total knee arthroplasty two weeks previously and was admitted following a fall from her height for a rupture of the patellar tendon with release of the sutures. An investigation revealed bifocal avulsion of the patellar tendon from its patellar and tibial insertion. The patient was treated with double lacing and anchoring at the patellar and tibial levels with wire cerclage.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Several factors contribute to tendon fragility: degenerative changes linked to age, general or local conditions, and surgical approaches for TKA. These abnormalities also affect the tendon's ability to heal and should suggest the inadequacy of simple repair without tendon augmentation using a plasty, an autograft, or an allograft.

CONCLUSION

The prognosis for patients with extensor tendon ruptures in the TKA (total knee arthroplasty) remains unclear, and in our case, this was exacerbated by the delay between prosthesis insertion and the incident and by the open nature of the lesion.

Bifocal avulsion fracture and fixation of the patellar tendon: a case report

Acute distal patella tendon avulsion from the tibial tubercle (TT) is a relatively rare injury that is usually described in the adolescents or elderly population in their 7th or 8th decades. Bifocal avulsion fractures of the patella tendon from the TT and the distal pole of the patella are exceptionally rare in adults. In this case report, we present a 52-year-old healthy old male who was treated for bifocal avulsion of the patellar tendon with open reduction and internal fixation augmented with two ULTRATAPE sutures. To our knowledge, this is the first case report to describe this injury in a healthy middle-aged patient.

Tear of Quadriceps and Patellar Tendon with Superior Pole Avulsion of Patella: A Case Report

CASE

A 58-year-old man presented with right knee pain and inability to extend the knee after falling. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated complete rupture of the quadriceps tendon, avulsion of the superior pole patella, and a high-grade partial tear of the proximal patellar tendon. Surgical dissection revealed that both tendon tears were full-thickness disruptions. Repair was performed without complications. The patient achieved independent ambulation and passive range of motion from 0° to 118° at 3.8 years postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

We present a case of a simultaneous ipsilateral tear of the quadriceps and patellar tendons with superior pole patella avulsion that resulted in a clinically successful repair.

Why Mechanism Matters: A Literature Review of Simultaneous Ipsilateral Tibial Tuberosity Avulsion and Patella Fracture With Case Report

Simultaneous ipsilateral tibial tuberosity avulsion and patella fractures are rare in adults. They are often associated with patients who have underlying bone disease and other medical co-morbidities. Here we describe a case where this injury was attributed to direct trauma and demonstrate our department's management for such an injury. In addition to our case report, we have performed a systematic literature review to identify other cases of the same injury. Only four other cases have been reported. Here we summarise and compare the management and outcome measures reported in each case. All patients are managed differently, yet all authors report satisfactory outcomes. With this being a relatively rare injury, further research is required to establish a gold standard for management of such patients.

Multifocal Disruption of the Extensor Mechanism of the Knee: A Case Report

CASE

A 41-year-old man presented with a transverse patella fracture and proximal patellar tendon avulsion after a fall from standing. Disruption of the extensor mechanism of the knee at multiple points is rare. He was treated operatively for his patella fracture and patellar tendon avulsion but experienced early failure of the patellar tendon fixation requiring reoperation. Both components of injury ultimately healed, and he returned to function.

CONCLUSION

This case describes a rare presentation of an uncommon injury pattern affecting the extensor mechanism. This is the first report to describe multifocal failure of the extensor chain from a low-energy mechanism.

Fracture of tibial tuberosity in an adult with Paget's disease of the bone - An interesting case and review of literature

Introduction

Paget's disease of the bone is a non-malignant skeletal disorder characterized by focal abnormalities in bone remodelling at one or more skeletal sites. Pathological fractures occurring from trivial injuries are a well-known clinical presentation in patients with Paget's disease. An avulsion fracture of the tibial tuberosity is an infrequent injury and has an extremely low occurrence in adults, with only a few cases reported in literature. We describe a case of a patient with undiagnosed Paget's Disease of the bone, sustaining a pathological avulsion fracture of the tibial tuberosity.

Case report

A 54-year-old male presented with right knee pain after his knee gave way whilst standing in the goal area during a game of football, twisting his right ankle and falling. Plain radiographs of the knee revealed an avulsion fracture of the tibial tuberosity with abnormal modelling of the proximal half of the tibia. An MRI confirmed a diagnosis of Paget's disease of the bone. The patient underwent open reduction internal fixation. At 3 months follow up, the patient had good knee range of motion from 0 to 100 degrees and by 6 months he had returned to his usual activities.

Conclusion

We describe a unique case of tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture in an adult with PDB. Treatment was successful with cannulated screws and tension band wiring. Patients with PDB who fracture present with diagnostic and operative challenges, it is vital to progress with caution in the postoperative rehabilitation phase.

Bifocal Avulsion of the Patellar Tendon From the Distal Patella and Tibial Tuberosity in a Skeletally Immature Patient: A Case Report

CASE

A 13-year-old boy suffered a sports injury of the right knee. The clinical examination showed swelling, inability to bear weight, and pain involving the inferior apex of the patella and the anterior tibial tuberosity. Imaging studies showed an avulsion fracture, sleeve-like, from the patella apex and avulsion of the tibial tuberosity. The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation. At the 24-month follow-up, no pain, limitation, or complication was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Bifocal patellar tendon avulsion in a skeletally immature patient is an extremely rare injury, and to our knowledge, only one case is reported.

Bifocal Disruption of the Patellar Tendon with Avulsion of the Tibial Tuberosity: A Case Report

Introduction:

Bifocal disruption of the knee extensor system is rare. Coincident bifocal proximal and distal disruptions of the patellar tendon are extremely rare in adults.

Case Report:

A 38-year-old man presented to our clinic with severe right knee pain after falling down the stairs and abruptly bending the right knee. Plain radiographs of this knee showed tibial avulsion and a high riding patella, suggesting underlying Osgood-Schlatter disease, which was also present to a milder degree in the left knee. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed an avulsion of the tibial tuberosity and showed concomitant avulsion of the patellar tendon without bone marrow edema. Computed tomography showed that the fragment of the tibial tuberosity had a dull-edged margin, and cortical bones were partially exposed. During surgery, the patellar tendon was divided into superficial and deep layers. The superficial layer was peeled from an attachment at the patella, while the deep layer was from the tibia and contained the fragment of the tibial tuberosity. The detached side of the fragment and tibia were coated with dense, fibrous tissue. Surgical repair was performed, with excellent outcomes. Radiographic and intraoperative findings suggested Osgood-Schlatter disease, which might cause avulsion of the tibial tuberosity.

Conclusion:

This is the first case of the bifocal proximal and distal rupture of the patellar tendon with the avulsion of the tibial tuberosity. Bifocal disruption of the patellar tendon should be considered in patients presenting with avulsion of the tibial tuberosity and suspected Osgood-Schlatter disease.

Combined Tibial Tubercle Fracture With Patellar Tendon Avulsion in an Adult: A Rare Case and Novel Fixation Technique

Tibial tubercle avulsion fracture with simultaneous patellar tendon avulsion is a rare injury that has only ever been reported in adolescents; the diagnosis and management of this combined lesion has not been described in the adult population. A healthy 62-year-old male presented with acute knee pain and an inability to walk after a fall on ice. Radiographs demonstrated a displaced fracture of the tibial tubercle; patellar tendon integrity could not be verified by ultrasonography. Intraoperatively, the patient was found to have a distal avulsion of the patellar tendon in addition to tubercle fracture. First, the tendon was secured to the tubercle fragment with transosseous sutures. A novel slotted-plate construct was used to fix the tubercle fragment prior to tightening the sutures. Postoperatively, the patient was permitted to bear weight as tolerated with the operative knee immobilized in extension. After six weeks, knee range of motion was gradually increased using a hinged brace. At one year, the patient had achieved excellent range of motion (full extension to 135 degrees of flexion) and strength (5/5 knee flexion and extension) without residual pain or complications. This case represents the first description of diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation of a combined tibial tubercle fracture with distal patellar tendon avulsion in an adult. The unique construct, a slotted-plate over transosseous sutures, provided excellent results and likely has further applications.

An Unusual Impaction Fracture of the Tibial Tubercle and Its Surgical Repair: A Case Report

CASE

A 55-year-old man sustained a Schatzker type I lateral tibial plateau fracture, an ipsilateral tibial tubercle (TT) impaction fracture, and an avulsion fracture of the inferior patellar pole. He underwent disimpaction and bone grafting of the tubercle, followed by open reduction internal fixation of the tibial plateau and tubercle, with ligamentum patellae tendon augmentation. At 1-year postoperatively, the patient returned to full activity.

CONCLUSION

A lateral tibial plateau fracture with an ipsilateral TT impaction fracture is a very rare injury combination. Our report provides an effective treatment strategy for these injuries, which provided positive patient outcomes.

Tibial Tuberosity Fracture in an Elderly Gentleman: An Unusual Injury Pattern

Avulsion fracture of the tibial tuberosity is an infrequent injury in adolescents and an extremely rare occurrence in adults. We describe the case of an 86-year-old gentleman presenting after a fall, sustaining injury to the left knee. Radiographs of the left knee showed avulsion fracture of the tibial tuberosity. The purpose of this study was to present a rare case of tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture in an adult, the treatment performed, and the challenges faced. The case is discussed with the review of the literature.

Complete Traumatic Trifocal Failure of the Extensor Mechanism of the Knee: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

The unique case of a rare 3-level extensor mechanism failure in a 28-year-old male, involving a tibial tubercle avulsion fracture, a patellar tendon avulsion off the tibial tubercle fragment, and a severely comminuted patella fracture, and the surgical technique required to repair such an injury is presented. Focus is spent on the unique repair of a tendon injury when both proximal and distal bony attachments are damaged. Trifocal knee extensor mechanism is a rare clinical entity with minimal literature available—to date, this injury has only been reported in a retrospective review of combat-related injuries in military personnel. It is important to maintain an understanding of knee extensor mechanism anatomy and perform thorough investigation of high-energy knee injuries to ensure adequate treatment of all injuries. The outcome presented in this case shows that positive results after complex extensor mechanism injuries may be achieved, but limited data exists to elucidate optimum treatment. It is essential for surgeons to have firm grasp of techniques used to treat each segment of the extensor mechanism so that they may be combined when a patient presents with complex, multifocal injury.

Bifocal osseous avulsion of the patellar tendon from the distal patella and tibial tuberosity in a child

This case report describes a 12-year-old boy, who suffered an injury to the right knee in a skateboard accident. Radiographs and surgery confirmed the extremely rare bifocal avulsion fracture including the distal patellar pole and tibial tuberosity. Open reduction and internal fixation was accomplished, and 4-month follow-up demonstrated a good outcome.

Floating patella associated with lymphoedema

Ipsilateral injury of more than one component of the knee extensor apparatus is rare. It is mostly associated with previous trauma, surgery, immunosuppression therapy and systemic disease. We present the first documented case of a spontaneous bifocal disruption of the knee extensor apparatus (i.e. floating patella) associated with lymphoedema. This case highlights the importance of considering lymphoedema as another risk factor for rupture of the knee extensor apparatus. It also highlights the importance of assessing all components of the knee extensor apparatus in patients presenting with acute knee injuries.

Fracture of tibial tuberosity in an adult

The fracture of tibial tuberosity is a rare lesion and still more unusual in adults. We describe a case in an adult who suffered a left knee injury due to a fall from height. No risk factors were identified. The lesion was treated with surgical reduction and internal fixation. The rehabilitation method was successful, resulting in excellent function and rage of motion of the knee. The aim of this study was to present an unusual case of direct trauma of the tibial tuberosity in an adult and the therapy performed.