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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.
Continue to: Quadriceps tendon rupture...
Quadriceps tendon rupture is an uncommon yet potentially devastating knee injury with an estimated incidence of 1.37 in 100,000.1 It most often occurs in male, middle-aged or older patients with degenerative tendon changes and serious systemic diseases, such as chronic renal failure, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and disorders requiring long-term steroid use (tissue quality is often compromised by patient age and comorbidities).2-10 Whereas partial tears with an intact extensor mechanism may be managed nonoperatively, prompt operative intervention is indicated in cases of complete tear or an incompetent extensor mechanism to facilitate early range of motion (ROM) and return of knee function.2-4,8,9
The standard of care is repair with a nonabsorbable suture passed through transosseous patellar tunnels, often with several weeks of postoperative immobilization to protect the repair.3,4,7,10-12 Reported complications of this method include significant extension lag, decreased strength, and ROM compared with the contralateral knee, chronic pain, and iatrogenic patellar fracture.8,13-18 Repair techniques using suture anchors have been proposed as viable alternatives, but biomechanical studies comparing them with standard transosseous repair have reported mixed results.7,10-12,18-20 Two studies found improved biomechanical characteristics with suture anchors,10,21 but 2 others found the characteristics of suture anchor fixation equal to11 or worse than12 those of transosseous fixation. In light of the controversy regarding strength and clinical outcomes of suture anchor repair compared with transosseous repair, new and potentially superior surgical interventions should be considered.
We recently completed a cadaveric study comparing the biomechanical properties of a novel quadriceps tendon repair technique using 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchors with suture tape and the properties of conventional techniques using either transosseous or suture anchor repair alone.22 In the cadaveric model, compared with transosseous and fully threaded suture anchor techniques, repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures with this knotless suture anchor with suture tape technique was biomechanically superior in cyclic displacement, construct stiffness, and ultimate load to failure.22 Additionally, this method allows for less extensive dissection, shorter operative times, and the potential for earlier and more aggressive rehabilitation protocols.22 We propose this technique, presented in this article, as a superior alternative to traditional quadriceps tendon repair techniques.
TECHNIQUE
The patient is placed in supine position with a tourniquet placed on the proximal thigh. A midline incision is made from the proximal pole of the patella, proximally by 5 cm. A combination of sharp and blunt dissection is performed through skin and subcutaneous tissues down to the extensor mechanism, exposing the proximal pole of the patella and the torn quadriceps tendon.
The distal aspect of the quadriceps tendon is then débrided of any devitalized tissue and secured with an Allis clamp. A long tape suture (FiberTape; Arthrex) is then used to place a locking Krackow stitch in a distal-to-proximal and then proximal-to-distal direction for 5 throws in each direction within the quadriceps tendon, with the tails exiting distally at the tear site. Care is taken with each pass to ensure that there is no slack within the system.
Continue to: The proximal pole of the patella...
The proximal pole of the patella is then prepared by débriding any remaining soft tissue back to an area of exposed subcortical bone, which is débrided to a bleeding bony bed. Holes are drilled in the medial and lateral thirds of the patella at the proximal pole using the drill for 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchors (SwiveLock; Arthrex). The tap for the 4.75-mm anchors is then passed at each guide hole. In hard bone, double-tapping is recommended.
Next, the medial strand of tape suture is loaded within a 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor eyelet and reduced to the patella. The medial anchor is malleted and screwed into place, while tension is kept on the lateral strand with the knee in full extension. The lateral strand is then placed into its 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor, reduced to the patella, and then malleted and screwed into place in the lateral hole, thereby completing the core portion of the repair (Figures A-D). The core strands from the 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchors are then back-passed in mattress fashion and tied, and medial and lateral retinacular repairs are then performed using supersuture tape (SutureTape or FiberWire; Arthrex).
After surgery, the patient is placed in a knee brace locked in full extension and allowed to weight-bear as tolerated using crutches. During the first week, knee ROM is allowed up to 30°. During weeks 2 to 6 passive ROM is gradually increased to 90°, and use of crutches is tapered. At week 6 the brace is unlocked for ambulation; it may be discontinued after 7 to 8 weeks or when determined safe. Light activity is permitted from month 4 to month 6. A patient who achieves satisfactory strength, is clinically examined, and progresses through rehabilitation is allowed to return to fully unrestricted sport.
DISCUSSION
Quadriceps tendon rupture is an uncommon clinical entity that requires early surgical management.1-5,12,17,19 The standard of care is passage of nonabsorbable sutures through transosseous patellar bone tunnels, but repair with suture anchors has been studied as an alternative that allows for less tissue trauma, decreased operative time, safe early initiation of rehabilitation protocols, and reduced risk of patella fracture or damage.3,7,10-12,18-20,21,23 Despite these potential advantages, biomechanical studies have yielded inconsistent results regarding the superiority of suture anchor repair over repair with transosseous tunnels.7,10-12,18-20 We propose quadriceps tendon repair using the 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with tape suture technique as a biomechanically superior alternative to either transosseous tunnels or suture anchor repair alone, with significant advantages both in and out of the operating room.
Results of biomechanical studies comparing transosseous tunnel repair and standard suture anchor repair have been mixed, though the heterogeneity of their study methods and endpoints makes direct comparisons difficult.7,10-12,18-20 Petri and colleagues10 and Sherman and colleagues21 reported statistically significant higher load to failure10 and reduced gapping during cyclic loading10,21 with suture anchor repair relative to transosseous repair. However, Hart and colleagues12 found that repair with suture anchors had lower ultimate tensile load, and they concluded that transosseous repair is superior. Lighthart and colleagues11 found no significant difference in displacement between the 2 repairs.
Continue to: In our cadaveric biomechanical study...
In our cadaveric biomechanical study, a novel 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with suture tape repair was compared with traditional 3-tunnel transosseous repair and with standard 2-anchor suture anchor repair.22 Statistically significant superiority was found across multiple parameters, including initial tendon displacement, stiffness, and ultimate load to failure (vs 5.5-mm biocomposite fully threaded suture anchor repair), as well as initial and late tendon displacement, stiffness, and ultimate load to failure (vs transosseous repair).22 Although definitive conclusions are difficult to draw on the basis of prior cadaveric studies comparing standard suture anchor repair and transosseous repair, our results decidedly favor the biomechanical characteristics of this 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with suture tape repair and make it a potentially superior repair technique based on biomechanics alone.22
Similarly to standard repair with suture anchors, repair using a 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with tape suture eliminates the need to expose the distal pole of the patella.7,10-12,21 This allows for a smaller surgical incision, less extensive dissection, and prevents possible interference with the patellar tendon.7,10-12,21 Additionally, it eliminates the risk of iatrogenic patellar fracture and damage to the articular surface from drilling the transpatellar tunnels.17,18 Both our own review of cases repaired with our 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with suture tape technique as well as studies of suture anchor repair have consistently found operative times of <1 hour.21 Shorter operative times and smaller surgical wounds are advantageous given that many of these patients have medical comorbidities that predispose them to intraoperative and wound-healing complications.12,19-22
Optimal rehabilitation protocols for quadriceps tendon repair are a matter of controversy. Multiple studies of repair with transosseous patellar tunnels describe immobilization for 6 weeks after surgery, but there has been a recent push toward early motion.7,13,23,24 Reported complications of extended immobilization include limited flexion, pain, weakness, decreased patellar mobility, and patella baja.14 Studies have suggested that, while excessive loading can cause gap formation and weaken the repair, some controlled motion is necessary to heal the tendon23,25 and reduce the risks of stiffness and atrophy.14 The improved biomechanical characteristics of the 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with tape suture technique allow for safe early initiation of ROM exercises and accelerated rehabilitation protocols.
In our early experience with this technique, functional outcomes have been excellent. A formal 2-year outcome study of patients who have undergone quadriceps tendon repair with this 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with tape suture technique is under way.
1. Clayton RA, Court-Brown CM. The epidemiology of musculoskeletal tendinous and ligamentous injuries. Injury. 2008;39(12):1338-1344.
2. Rasul AT Jr, Fischer DA. Primary repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1993;(289):205-207.
3. Ilan DI, Tejwani N, Keschner M, Leibman M. Quadriceps tendon rupture. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2003;11(3):192-200.
4. Ramseier LE, Werner CM, Heinzelmann M. Quadriceps and patellar tendon rupture. Injury. 2006;37(6):516-519.
5. Ciriello V, Gudipati S, Tosounidis T, Soucacos PN, Giannoudis PV. Clinical outcomes after repair of quadriceps tendon rupture: a systematic review. Injury. 2012;43(11):1931-1938.
6. O’Shea K, Kenny P, Donovan J, Condon F, McElwain JP. Outcomes following quadriceps tendon ruptures. Injury. 2002;33(3):257-260.
7. Richards DP, Barber FA. Repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures using suture anchors. Arthroscopy. 2002;18(5):556-559.
8. Wenzl ME, Kirchner R, Seide K, Strametz S, Jürgens C. Quadriceps tendon ruptures—is there a complete functional restitution? Injury. 2004;35(9):922-926.
9. Boudissa M, Roudet A, Rubens-Duval B, Chaussard C, Saragaglia D. Acute quadriceps tendon ruptures: a series of 50 knees with an average follow-up of more than 6 years. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2014;100(2):213-216.
10. Petri M, Dratzidis A, Brand S, et al. Suture anchor repair yields better biomechanical properties than transosseous sutures in ruptured quadriceps tendons. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2015;23(4):1039-1045.
11. Lighthart WC, Cohen DA, Levine RG, Parks BG, Boucher HR. Suture anchor versus suture through tunnel fixation for quadriceps tendon rupture: a biomechanical study. Orthopedics. 2008;31(5):441.
12. Hart ND, Wallace MK, Scovell JF, Krupp RJ, Cook C, Wyland DJ. Quadriceps tendon rupture: a biomechanical comparison of transosseous equivalent double-row suture anchor versus transosseous tunnel repair. J Knee Surg. 2012;25(4):335-339.
13. Rougraff BT, Reeck CC, Essenmacher J. Complete quadriceps tendon ruptures. Orthopedics. 1996;19(6):509-514.
14. West JL, Keene JS, Kaplan LD. Early motion after quadriceps and patellar tendon repairs: outcomes with single-suture augmentation. Am J Sports Med. 2008;36(2):316-323.
15. De Baere T, Geulette B, Manche E, Barras L. Functional results after surgical repair of quadriceps tendon rupture. Acta Orthop Belg. 2002;68(2):146-149.
16. Konrath GA, Chen D, Lock T, et al. Outcomes following repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures. J Orthop Trauma. 1998;12(4):273-279.
17. Gregory JM, Sherman SL, Mather R, Bach BR Jr. Patellar stress fracture after transosseous extensor mechanism repair: report of 3 cases. Am J Sports Med. 2012;40(7):1668-1672.
18. Bushnell BD, Whitener GB, Rubright JH, Creighton RA, Logel KJ, Wood ML. The use of suture anchors to repair the ruptured quadriceps tendon. J Orthop Trauma. 2007;21(6):407-413.
19. Harris JD, Abrams GD, Yanke AB, Hellman MD, Erickson BJ, Bach BR Jr. Suture anchor repair of quadriceps tendon rupture. Orthopedics. 2014;37(3):183-186.
20. Maniscalco P, Bertone C, Rivera F, Bocchi L. A new method of repair for quadriceps tendon ruptures. A case report. Panminerva Med. 2000;42(3):223-225.
21. Sherman SL, Copeland ME, Milles JL, Flood DA, Pfeiffer FM. Biomechanical evaluation of suture anchor versus transosseous tunnel quadriceps tendon repair techniques. Arthroscopy. 2016;32(6):1117-1124.
22. Kindya MC, Konicek J, Rizzi A, Komatsu DE, Paci JM. Knotless suture anchor with suture tape quadriceps tendon repair is biomechanically superior to transosseous and traditional suture anchor-based repairs in a cadaveric model. Arthroscopy. 2017;33(1):190-198.
23. Brossard P, Le Roux G, Vasse B; Orthopedics, Traumatology Society of Western France (SOO). Acute quadriceps tendon rupture repaired by suture anchors: outcomes at 7 years’ follow-up in 25 cases. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2017;103(4):597-601.
24. Langenhan R, Baumann M, Ricart P, et al. Postoperative functional rehabilitation after repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures: a comparison of two different protocols. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2012;20(11):2275-2278.
25. Killian ML, Cavinatto L, Galatz LM, Thomopoulos S. The role of mechanobiology in tendon healing. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2012;21(2):228-237.
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.
Continue to: Quadriceps tendon rupture...
Quadriceps tendon rupture is an uncommon yet potentially devastating knee injury with an estimated incidence of 1.37 in 100,000.1 It most often occurs in male, middle-aged or older patients with degenerative tendon changes and serious systemic diseases, such as chronic renal failure, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and disorders requiring long-term steroid use (tissue quality is often compromised by patient age and comorbidities).2-10 Whereas partial tears with an intact extensor mechanism may be managed nonoperatively, prompt operative intervention is indicated in cases of complete tear or an incompetent extensor mechanism to facilitate early range of motion (ROM) and return of knee function.2-4,8,9
The standard of care is repair with a nonabsorbable suture passed through transosseous patellar tunnels, often with several weeks of postoperative immobilization to protect the repair.3,4,7,10-12 Reported complications of this method include significant extension lag, decreased strength, and ROM compared with the contralateral knee, chronic pain, and iatrogenic patellar fracture.8,13-18 Repair techniques using suture anchors have been proposed as viable alternatives, but biomechanical studies comparing them with standard transosseous repair have reported mixed results.7,10-12,18-20 Two studies found improved biomechanical characteristics with suture anchors,10,21 but 2 others found the characteristics of suture anchor fixation equal to11 or worse than12 those of transosseous fixation. In light of the controversy regarding strength and clinical outcomes of suture anchor repair compared with transosseous repair, new and potentially superior surgical interventions should be considered.
We recently completed a cadaveric study comparing the biomechanical properties of a novel quadriceps tendon repair technique using 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchors with suture tape and the properties of conventional techniques using either transosseous or suture anchor repair alone.22 In the cadaveric model, compared with transosseous and fully threaded suture anchor techniques, repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures with this knotless suture anchor with suture tape technique was biomechanically superior in cyclic displacement, construct stiffness, and ultimate load to failure.22 Additionally, this method allows for less extensive dissection, shorter operative times, and the potential for earlier and more aggressive rehabilitation protocols.22 We propose this technique, presented in this article, as a superior alternative to traditional quadriceps tendon repair techniques.
TECHNIQUE
The patient is placed in supine position with a tourniquet placed on the proximal thigh. A midline incision is made from the proximal pole of the patella, proximally by 5 cm. A combination of sharp and blunt dissection is performed through skin and subcutaneous tissues down to the extensor mechanism, exposing the proximal pole of the patella and the torn quadriceps tendon.
The distal aspect of the quadriceps tendon is then débrided of any devitalized tissue and secured with an Allis clamp. A long tape suture (FiberTape; Arthrex) is then used to place a locking Krackow stitch in a distal-to-proximal and then proximal-to-distal direction for 5 throws in each direction within the quadriceps tendon, with the tails exiting distally at the tear site. Care is taken with each pass to ensure that there is no slack within the system.
Continue to: The proximal pole of the patella...
The proximal pole of the patella is then prepared by débriding any remaining soft tissue back to an area of exposed subcortical bone, which is débrided to a bleeding bony bed. Holes are drilled in the medial and lateral thirds of the patella at the proximal pole using the drill for 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchors (SwiveLock; Arthrex). The tap for the 4.75-mm anchors is then passed at each guide hole. In hard bone, double-tapping is recommended.
Next, the medial strand of tape suture is loaded within a 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor eyelet and reduced to the patella. The medial anchor is malleted and screwed into place, while tension is kept on the lateral strand with the knee in full extension. The lateral strand is then placed into its 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor, reduced to the patella, and then malleted and screwed into place in the lateral hole, thereby completing the core portion of the repair (Figures A-D). The core strands from the 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchors are then back-passed in mattress fashion and tied, and medial and lateral retinacular repairs are then performed using supersuture tape (SutureTape or FiberWire; Arthrex).
After surgery, the patient is placed in a knee brace locked in full extension and allowed to weight-bear as tolerated using crutches. During the first week, knee ROM is allowed up to 30°. During weeks 2 to 6 passive ROM is gradually increased to 90°, and use of crutches is tapered. At week 6 the brace is unlocked for ambulation; it may be discontinued after 7 to 8 weeks or when determined safe. Light activity is permitted from month 4 to month 6. A patient who achieves satisfactory strength, is clinically examined, and progresses through rehabilitation is allowed to return to fully unrestricted sport.
DISCUSSION
Quadriceps tendon rupture is an uncommon clinical entity that requires early surgical management.1-5,12,17,19 The standard of care is passage of nonabsorbable sutures through transosseous patellar bone tunnels, but repair with suture anchors has been studied as an alternative that allows for less tissue trauma, decreased operative time, safe early initiation of rehabilitation protocols, and reduced risk of patella fracture or damage.3,7,10-12,18-20,21,23 Despite these potential advantages, biomechanical studies have yielded inconsistent results regarding the superiority of suture anchor repair over repair with transosseous tunnels.7,10-12,18-20 We propose quadriceps tendon repair using the 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with tape suture technique as a biomechanically superior alternative to either transosseous tunnels or suture anchor repair alone, with significant advantages both in and out of the operating room.
Results of biomechanical studies comparing transosseous tunnel repair and standard suture anchor repair have been mixed, though the heterogeneity of their study methods and endpoints makes direct comparisons difficult.7,10-12,18-20 Petri and colleagues10 and Sherman and colleagues21 reported statistically significant higher load to failure10 and reduced gapping during cyclic loading10,21 with suture anchor repair relative to transosseous repair. However, Hart and colleagues12 found that repair with suture anchors had lower ultimate tensile load, and they concluded that transosseous repair is superior. Lighthart and colleagues11 found no significant difference in displacement between the 2 repairs.
Continue to: In our cadaveric biomechanical study...
In our cadaveric biomechanical study, a novel 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with suture tape repair was compared with traditional 3-tunnel transosseous repair and with standard 2-anchor suture anchor repair.22 Statistically significant superiority was found across multiple parameters, including initial tendon displacement, stiffness, and ultimate load to failure (vs 5.5-mm biocomposite fully threaded suture anchor repair), as well as initial and late tendon displacement, stiffness, and ultimate load to failure (vs transosseous repair).22 Although definitive conclusions are difficult to draw on the basis of prior cadaveric studies comparing standard suture anchor repair and transosseous repair, our results decidedly favor the biomechanical characteristics of this 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with suture tape repair and make it a potentially superior repair technique based on biomechanics alone.22
Similarly to standard repair with suture anchors, repair using a 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with tape suture eliminates the need to expose the distal pole of the patella.7,10-12,21 This allows for a smaller surgical incision, less extensive dissection, and prevents possible interference with the patellar tendon.7,10-12,21 Additionally, it eliminates the risk of iatrogenic patellar fracture and damage to the articular surface from drilling the transpatellar tunnels.17,18 Both our own review of cases repaired with our 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with suture tape technique as well as studies of suture anchor repair have consistently found operative times of <1 hour.21 Shorter operative times and smaller surgical wounds are advantageous given that many of these patients have medical comorbidities that predispose them to intraoperative and wound-healing complications.12,19-22
Optimal rehabilitation protocols for quadriceps tendon repair are a matter of controversy. Multiple studies of repair with transosseous patellar tunnels describe immobilization for 6 weeks after surgery, but there has been a recent push toward early motion.7,13,23,24 Reported complications of extended immobilization include limited flexion, pain, weakness, decreased patellar mobility, and patella baja.14 Studies have suggested that, while excessive loading can cause gap formation and weaken the repair, some controlled motion is necessary to heal the tendon23,25 and reduce the risks of stiffness and atrophy.14 The improved biomechanical characteristics of the 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with tape suture technique allow for safe early initiation of ROM exercises and accelerated rehabilitation protocols.
In our early experience with this technique, functional outcomes have been excellent. A formal 2-year outcome study of patients who have undergone quadriceps tendon repair with this 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with tape suture technique is under way.
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.
Continue to: Quadriceps tendon rupture...
Quadriceps tendon rupture is an uncommon yet potentially devastating knee injury with an estimated incidence of 1.37 in 100,000.1 It most often occurs in male, middle-aged or older patients with degenerative tendon changes and serious systemic diseases, such as chronic renal failure, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and disorders requiring long-term steroid use (tissue quality is often compromised by patient age and comorbidities).2-10 Whereas partial tears with an intact extensor mechanism may be managed nonoperatively, prompt operative intervention is indicated in cases of complete tear or an incompetent extensor mechanism to facilitate early range of motion (ROM) and return of knee function.2-4,8,9
The standard of care is repair with a nonabsorbable suture passed through transosseous patellar tunnels, often with several weeks of postoperative immobilization to protect the repair.3,4,7,10-12 Reported complications of this method include significant extension lag, decreased strength, and ROM compared with the contralateral knee, chronic pain, and iatrogenic patellar fracture.8,13-18 Repair techniques using suture anchors have been proposed as viable alternatives, but biomechanical studies comparing them with standard transosseous repair have reported mixed results.7,10-12,18-20 Two studies found improved biomechanical characteristics with suture anchors,10,21 but 2 others found the characteristics of suture anchor fixation equal to11 or worse than12 those of transosseous fixation. In light of the controversy regarding strength and clinical outcomes of suture anchor repair compared with transosseous repair, new and potentially superior surgical interventions should be considered.
We recently completed a cadaveric study comparing the biomechanical properties of a novel quadriceps tendon repair technique using 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchors with suture tape and the properties of conventional techniques using either transosseous or suture anchor repair alone.22 In the cadaveric model, compared with transosseous and fully threaded suture anchor techniques, repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures with this knotless suture anchor with suture tape technique was biomechanically superior in cyclic displacement, construct stiffness, and ultimate load to failure.22 Additionally, this method allows for less extensive dissection, shorter operative times, and the potential for earlier and more aggressive rehabilitation protocols.22 We propose this technique, presented in this article, as a superior alternative to traditional quadriceps tendon repair techniques.
TECHNIQUE
The patient is placed in supine position with a tourniquet placed on the proximal thigh. A midline incision is made from the proximal pole of the patella, proximally by 5 cm. A combination of sharp and blunt dissection is performed through skin and subcutaneous tissues down to the extensor mechanism, exposing the proximal pole of the patella and the torn quadriceps tendon.
The distal aspect of the quadriceps tendon is then débrided of any devitalized tissue and secured with an Allis clamp. A long tape suture (FiberTape; Arthrex) is then used to place a locking Krackow stitch in a distal-to-proximal and then proximal-to-distal direction for 5 throws in each direction within the quadriceps tendon, with the tails exiting distally at the tear site. Care is taken with each pass to ensure that there is no slack within the system.
Continue to: The proximal pole of the patella...
The proximal pole of the patella is then prepared by débriding any remaining soft tissue back to an area of exposed subcortical bone, which is débrided to a bleeding bony bed. Holes are drilled in the medial and lateral thirds of the patella at the proximal pole using the drill for 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchors (SwiveLock; Arthrex). The tap for the 4.75-mm anchors is then passed at each guide hole. In hard bone, double-tapping is recommended.
Next, the medial strand of tape suture is loaded within a 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor eyelet and reduced to the patella. The medial anchor is malleted and screwed into place, while tension is kept on the lateral strand with the knee in full extension. The lateral strand is then placed into its 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor, reduced to the patella, and then malleted and screwed into place in the lateral hole, thereby completing the core portion of the repair (Figures A-D). The core strands from the 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchors are then back-passed in mattress fashion and tied, and medial and lateral retinacular repairs are then performed using supersuture tape (SutureTape or FiberWire; Arthrex).
After surgery, the patient is placed in a knee brace locked in full extension and allowed to weight-bear as tolerated using crutches. During the first week, knee ROM is allowed up to 30°. During weeks 2 to 6 passive ROM is gradually increased to 90°, and use of crutches is tapered. At week 6 the brace is unlocked for ambulation; it may be discontinued after 7 to 8 weeks or when determined safe. Light activity is permitted from month 4 to month 6. A patient who achieves satisfactory strength, is clinically examined, and progresses through rehabilitation is allowed to return to fully unrestricted sport.
DISCUSSION
Quadriceps tendon rupture is an uncommon clinical entity that requires early surgical management.1-5,12,17,19 The standard of care is passage of nonabsorbable sutures through transosseous patellar bone tunnels, but repair with suture anchors has been studied as an alternative that allows for less tissue trauma, decreased operative time, safe early initiation of rehabilitation protocols, and reduced risk of patella fracture or damage.3,7,10-12,18-20,21,23 Despite these potential advantages, biomechanical studies have yielded inconsistent results regarding the superiority of suture anchor repair over repair with transosseous tunnels.7,10-12,18-20 We propose quadriceps tendon repair using the 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with tape suture technique as a biomechanically superior alternative to either transosseous tunnels or suture anchor repair alone, with significant advantages both in and out of the operating room.
Results of biomechanical studies comparing transosseous tunnel repair and standard suture anchor repair have been mixed, though the heterogeneity of their study methods and endpoints makes direct comparisons difficult.7,10-12,18-20 Petri and colleagues10 and Sherman and colleagues21 reported statistically significant higher load to failure10 and reduced gapping during cyclic loading10,21 with suture anchor repair relative to transosseous repair. However, Hart and colleagues12 found that repair with suture anchors had lower ultimate tensile load, and they concluded that transosseous repair is superior. Lighthart and colleagues11 found no significant difference in displacement between the 2 repairs.
Continue to: In our cadaveric biomechanical study...
In our cadaveric biomechanical study, a novel 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with suture tape repair was compared with traditional 3-tunnel transosseous repair and with standard 2-anchor suture anchor repair.22 Statistically significant superiority was found across multiple parameters, including initial tendon displacement, stiffness, and ultimate load to failure (vs 5.5-mm biocomposite fully threaded suture anchor repair), as well as initial and late tendon displacement, stiffness, and ultimate load to failure (vs transosseous repair).22 Although definitive conclusions are difficult to draw on the basis of prior cadaveric studies comparing standard suture anchor repair and transosseous repair, our results decidedly favor the biomechanical characteristics of this 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with suture tape repair and make it a potentially superior repair technique based on biomechanics alone.22
Similarly to standard repair with suture anchors, repair using a 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with tape suture eliminates the need to expose the distal pole of the patella.7,10-12,21 This allows for a smaller surgical incision, less extensive dissection, and prevents possible interference with the patellar tendon.7,10-12,21 Additionally, it eliminates the risk of iatrogenic patellar fracture and damage to the articular surface from drilling the transpatellar tunnels.17,18 Both our own review of cases repaired with our 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with suture tape technique as well as studies of suture anchor repair have consistently found operative times of <1 hour.21 Shorter operative times and smaller surgical wounds are advantageous given that many of these patients have medical comorbidities that predispose them to intraoperative and wound-healing complications.12,19-22
Optimal rehabilitation protocols for quadriceps tendon repair are a matter of controversy. Multiple studies of repair with transosseous patellar tunnels describe immobilization for 6 weeks after surgery, but there has been a recent push toward early motion.7,13,23,24 Reported complications of extended immobilization include limited flexion, pain, weakness, decreased patellar mobility, and patella baja.14 Studies have suggested that, while excessive loading can cause gap formation and weaken the repair, some controlled motion is necessary to heal the tendon23,25 and reduce the risks of stiffness and atrophy.14 The improved biomechanical characteristics of the 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with tape suture technique allow for safe early initiation of ROM exercises and accelerated rehabilitation protocols.
In our early experience with this technique, functional outcomes have been excellent. A formal 2-year outcome study of patients who have undergone quadriceps tendon repair with this 4.75-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchor with tape suture technique is under way.
1. Clayton RA, Court-Brown CM. The epidemiology of musculoskeletal tendinous and ligamentous injuries. Injury. 2008;39(12):1338-1344.
2. Rasul AT Jr, Fischer DA. Primary repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1993;(289):205-207.
3. Ilan DI, Tejwani N, Keschner M, Leibman M. Quadriceps tendon rupture. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2003;11(3):192-200.
4. Ramseier LE, Werner CM, Heinzelmann M. Quadriceps and patellar tendon rupture. Injury. 2006;37(6):516-519.
5. Ciriello V, Gudipati S, Tosounidis T, Soucacos PN, Giannoudis PV. Clinical outcomes after repair of quadriceps tendon rupture: a systematic review. Injury. 2012;43(11):1931-1938.
6. O’Shea K, Kenny P, Donovan J, Condon F, McElwain JP. Outcomes following quadriceps tendon ruptures. Injury. 2002;33(3):257-260.
7. Richards DP, Barber FA. Repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures using suture anchors. Arthroscopy. 2002;18(5):556-559.
8. Wenzl ME, Kirchner R, Seide K, Strametz S, Jürgens C. Quadriceps tendon ruptures—is there a complete functional restitution? Injury. 2004;35(9):922-926.
9. Boudissa M, Roudet A, Rubens-Duval B, Chaussard C, Saragaglia D. Acute quadriceps tendon ruptures: a series of 50 knees with an average follow-up of more than 6 years. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2014;100(2):213-216.
10. Petri M, Dratzidis A, Brand S, et al. Suture anchor repair yields better biomechanical properties than transosseous sutures in ruptured quadriceps tendons. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2015;23(4):1039-1045.
11. Lighthart WC, Cohen DA, Levine RG, Parks BG, Boucher HR. Suture anchor versus suture through tunnel fixation for quadriceps tendon rupture: a biomechanical study. Orthopedics. 2008;31(5):441.
12. Hart ND, Wallace MK, Scovell JF, Krupp RJ, Cook C, Wyland DJ. Quadriceps tendon rupture: a biomechanical comparison of transosseous equivalent double-row suture anchor versus transosseous tunnel repair. J Knee Surg. 2012;25(4):335-339.
13. Rougraff BT, Reeck CC, Essenmacher J. Complete quadriceps tendon ruptures. Orthopedics. 1996;19(6):509-514.
14. West JL, Keene JS, Kaplan LD. Early motion after quadriceps and patellar tendon repairs: outcomes with single-suture augmentation. Am J Sports Med. 2008;36(2):316-323.
15. De Baere T, Geulette B, Manche E, Barras L. Functional results after surgical repair of quadriceps tendon rupture. Acta Orthop Belg. 2002;68(2):146-149.
16. Konrath GA, Chen D, Lock T, et al. Outcomes following repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures. J Orthop Trauma. 1998;12(4):273-279.
17. Gregory JM, Sherman SL, Mather R, Bach BR Jr. Patellar stress fracture after transosseous extensor mechanism repair: report of 3 cases. Am J Sports Med. 2012;40(7):1668-1672.
18. Bushnell BD, Whitener GB, Rubright JH, Creighton RA, Logel KJ, Wood ML. The use of suture anchors to repair the ruptured quadriceps tendon. J Orthop Trauma. 2007;21(6):407-413.
19. Harris JD, Abrams GD, Yanke AB, Hellman MD, Erickson BJ, Bach BR Jr. Suture anchor repair of quadriceps tendon rupture. Orthopedics. 2014;37(3):183-186.
20. Maniscalco P, Bertone C, Rivera F, Bocchi L. A new method of repair for quadriceps tendon ruptures. A case report. Panminerva Med. 2000;42(3):223-225.
21. Sherman SL, Copeland ME, Milles JL, Flood DA, Pfeiffer FM. Biomechanical evaluation of suture anchor versus transosseous tunnel quadriceps tendon repair techniques. Arthroscopy. 2016;32(6):1117-1124.
22. Kindya MC, Konicek J, Rizzi A, Komatsu DE, Paci JM. Knotless suture anchor with suture tape quadriceps tendon repair is biomechanically superior to transosseous and traditional suture anchor-based repairs in a cadaveric model. Arthroscopy. 2017;33(1):190-198.
23. Brossard P, Le Roux G, Vasse B; Orthopedics, Traumatology Society of Western France (SOO). Acute quadriceps tendon rupture repaired by suture anchors: outcomes at 7 years’ follow-up in 25 cases. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2017;103(4):597-601.
24. Langenhan R, Baumann M, Ricart P, et al. Postoperative functional rehabilitation after repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures: a comparison of two different protocols. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2012;20(11):2275-2278.
25. Killian ML, Cavinatto L, Galatz LM, Thomopoulos S. The role of mechanobiology in tendon healing. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2012;21(2):228-237.
1. Clayton RA, Court-Brown CM. The epidemiology of musculoskeletal tendinous and ligamentous injuries. Injury. 2008;39(12):1338-1344.
2. Rasul AT Jr, Fischer DA. Primary repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1993;(289):205-207.
3. Ilan DI, Tejwani N, Keschner M, Leibman M. Quadriceps tendon rupture. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2003;11(3):192-200.
4. Ramseier LE, Werner CM, Heinzelmann M. Quadriceps and patellar tendon rupture. Injury. 2006;37(6):516-519.
5. Ciriello V, Gudipati S, Tosounidis T, Soucacos PN, Giannoudis PV. Clinical outcomes after repair of quadriceps tendon rupture: a systematic review. Injury. 2012;43(11):1931-1938.
6. O’Shea K, Kenny P, Donovan J, Condon F, McElwain JP. Outcomes following quadriceps tendon ruptures. Injury. 2002;33(3):257-260.
7. Richards DP, Barber FA. Repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures using suture anchors. Arthroscopy. 2002;18(5):556-559.
8. Wenzl ME, Kirchner R, Seide K, Strametz S, Jürgens C. Quadriceps tendon ruptures—is there a complete functional restitution? Injury. 2004;35(9):922-926.
9. Boudissa M, Roudet A, Rubens-Duval B, Chaussard C, Saragaglia D. Acute quadriceps tendon ruptures: a series of 50 knees with an average follow-up of more than 6 years. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2014;100(2):213-216.
10. Petri M, Dratzidis A, Brand S, et al. Suture anchor repair yields better biomechanical properties than transosseous sutures in ruptured quadriceps tendons. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2015;23(4):1039-1045.
11. Lighthart WC, Cohen DA, Levine RG, Parks BG, Boucher HR. Suture anchor versus suture through tunnel fixation for quadriceps tendon rupture: a biomechanical study. Orthopedics. 2008;31(5):441.
12. Hart ND, Wallace MK, Scovell JF, Krupp RJ, Cook C, Wyland DJ. Quadriceps tendon rupture: a biomechanical comparison of transosseous equivalent double-row suture anchor versus transosseous tunnel repair. J Knee Surg. 2012;25(4):335-339.
13. Rougraff BT, Reeck CC, Essenmacher J. Complete quadriceps tendon ruptures. Orthopedics. 1996;19(6):509-514.
14. West JL, Keene JS, Kaplan LD. Early motion after quadriceps and patellar tendon repairs: outcomes with single-suture augmentation. Am J Sports Med. 2008;36(2):316-323.
15. De Baere T, Geulette B, Manche E, Barras L. Functional results after surgical repair of quadriceps tendon rupture. Acta Orthop Belg. 2002;68(2):146-149.
16. Konrath GA, Chen D, Lock T, et al. Outcomes following repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures. J Orthop Trauma. 1998;12(4):273-279.
17. Gregory JM, Sherman SL, Mather R, Bach BR Jr. Patellar stress fracture after transosseous extensor mechanism repair: report of 3 cases. Am J Sports Med. 2012;40(7):1668-1672.
18. Bushnell BD, Whitener GB, Rubright JH, Creighton RA, Logel KJ, Wood ML. The use of suture anchors to repair the ruptured quadriceps tendon. J Orthop Trauma. 2007;21(6):407-413.
19. Harris JD, Abrams GD, Yanke AB, Hellman MD, Erickson BJ, Bach BR Jr. Suture anchor repair of quadriceps tendon rupture. Orthopedics. 2014;37(3):183-186.
20. Maniscalco P, Bertone C, Rivera F, Bocchi L. A new method of repair for quadriceps tendon ruptures. A case report. Panminerva Med. 2000;42(3):223-225.
21. Sherman SL, Copeland ME, Milles JL, Flood DA, Pfeiffer FM. Biomechanical evaluation of suture anchor versus transosseous tunnel quadriceps tendon repair techniques. Arthroscopy. 2016;32(6):1117-1124.
22. Kindya MC, Konicek J, Rizzi A, Komatsu DE, Paci JM. Knotless suture anchor with suture tape quadriceps tendon repair is biomechanically superior to transosseous and traditional suture anchor-based repairs in a cadaveric model. Arthroscopy. 2017;33(1):190-198.
23. Brossard P, Le Roux G, Vasse B; Orthopedics, Traumatology Society of Western France (SOO). Acute quadriceps tendon rupture repaired by suture anchors: outcomes at 7 years’ follow-up in 25 cases. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2017;103(4):597-601.
24. Langenhan R, Baumann M, Ricart P, et al. Postoperative functional rehabilitation after repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures: a comparison of two different protocols. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2012;20(11):2275-2278.
25. Killian ML, Cavinatto L, Galatz LM, Thomopoulos S. The role of mechanobiology in tendon healing. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2012;21(2):228-237.
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.
