Reconstructing Quadriceps Tendon Disruptions in Post Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients with an Autogenous Peroneal Tendon Graft: A Viable Alternative

Quadriceps tendon disruption post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is rare. Existing reconstruction procedures use allografts or synthetic meshes with varied success. This study evaluates outcomes with autogenous peroneal tendon grafts, a cost-effective alternative, compared to synthetic polypropylene mesh for quadriceps reconstruction.

16 patients who underwent extensor mechanism reconstruction between 2017 and 2021were retrospectively analysed. Parameters evaluated included type of reconstruction, extensor lag, IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) Score and AOFAS-Hindfoot-score (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society).

At final follow-up, extensor lag for peroneal autograft group was 6.6° ± 1.5 and for synthetic polypropylene mesh group, 7.2° ± 0.7. Both groups improved in IKDC score (p < 0.01) AOFAS-Hindfoot-score was comparable for peroneal autograft patients with opposite side (p = 0.15).

Autogenous peroneal tendon graft for quadriceps reconstruction could be viable, cost-effective alternative to allografts or synthetic meshes, with good clinical outcomes.

Graphical abstract depicting the harvesting of the peronei grafts and their passage through the quadriceps tendon. Sonographic image showing the preoperative presence of a gap in the quadriceps tendon which is reconstructed post-operatively