Patellar tendon ossification after retrograde intramedullary nailing for distal femoral shaft fracture: A case report and review of the literature

Heterotopic ossification in the knee following retrograde nailing of a femur fracture

BACKGROUND

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a pathologic bone formation in extra skeletal tissue and articular space. This was an objection to nailing of femur fractures across the knee; however, this has not been the case in many thousands of cases. Nonetheless, we present a patient in who placement of a retrograde nail resulted in calcification in the knee requiring excision.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 42-year-old male presented to the clinic complaining of pain, popping, clicking, and mocking in the right knee, especially in the patellar region. Nine months prior he suffered an ipsilateral femur fracture that was treated with a retrograde intramedullary nail. X-ray and CT scan were used to confirm the presentation of a heterotopic bone mass in the Hoffa area of the right knee. The patient underwent an arthrotomy for excision of the bone mass. The bone mass was excised, but bone in the ACL was not removed. The patient experienced pain relief and improved range of motion following excision.

CONCLUSION

Intraarticular heterotopic ossification is an infrequent event. We present a case of heterotopic ossification in the knee following retrograde nailing. The patient experienced improved symptoms and range of motion after excision of the intraarticular heterotopic bone mass.

Synovectomy induced patellar tendon ossification in patient with rheumatoid arthritis: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Patellar tendon ossification is a rare complication that primarily occurs following a knee injury. This article aims to describe, for the first time, a case of patellar tendon ossification following synovectomy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 48-year-old male with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis presented with swelling in his left knee following a synovectomy procedure. After a thorough physical examination, radiographic assessment, and computed tomography, the patient was diagnosed with total patellar tendon ossification. Subsequently, the patient underwent excision of the ossified mass and tendon reconstruction using an Achilles allograft.

DISCUSSION

The primary causes of patellar tendon ossification are iatrogenic and traumatic injuries. The presence of rheumatoid arthritis, which negatively affects tissue healing, may exacerbate this condition. Smaller lesions can be managed conservatively or through resection and repair. In cases of extensive ossification, resection and reconstruction are necessary. A comprehensive literature review is also provided.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of patellar tendon swelling following trauma or surgery should raise suspicion of patellar tendon ossification. Rheumatoid arthritis is a risk factor for the development of patellar tendon ossification. In cases of extensive ossification, successful treatment can be achieved through reconstruction using an Achilles allograft.

Patellar Tendon Reconstruction Using Autologous Hamstring Tendons for the Treatment of Extensive Patellar Tendon Ossification

Background

Extensive patellar tendon ossification is very uncommon and requires surgical intervention when ossification significantly affects knee function. While various approaches and grafts are available for reconstructing ruptured patellar tendons, there is a paucity of literature regarding the management of joint ankylosis due to severely ossified patellar tendons.

Case Presentation

This is a case involving an extensively ossified patellar tendon after patellar and tibial tuberosity fracture fixation. Reconstruction of the patellar tendon was performed using ipsilateral semitendinosus and gracilis autografts. At the latest follow‐up of 12 months, the patient achieved knee flexion up to 120° with a slight extension lag and resumed daily activities.

Conclusions

Autograft hamstring reconstruction of the patellar tendon is suitable for extensive heterotopic ossification of the patellar tendon, resulting in significant improvement in postoperative knee function. Similar patients may be referred for this reconstruction technique.