Management of a patellar tendon avulsion after TKA

Knee
Patella
Total knee replacement
Management of a patellar tendon avulsion after TKA

An 80-year-old female presents with disabling bilateral knee pain and relies on two crutches for mobility. 
Ten days post-surgery, she reports a deficit in active extension, particularly after using her operated, "least painful" leg to rise from the toilet.
Based on the imaging, what is your diagnosis? How would you explain this complication? What would be your approach for further management?

Vincent Marot
Escaldes, Andorra
Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell
Part one
Clinical presentation
  • 80 Y.O female
  • complains of disabling bilateral knee pain
  • Walks with 2 crouches
Patellar tendon avulsion after TKA
Pre operative X-Rays
Patellar tendon avulsion after TKA
Pre operative X-Rays
Patellar tendon avulsion after TKA
Post operative X-Rays

10 days after the index surgery, the patient complains of a deficit of active extension after getting up from the toilet by forcing especially with her operated leg which is the "least painful" one.

Patellar tendon avulsion after TKA
 

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Part two
Final strategy decision

Which is your diagnosis?

  • ✔️Tibial patellar tendon avulsion

How do you explain that complication?

  • ✔️Increase in the lever arm of the patella on the trochlea in a patient with troclear displasia

How would you treat this patient?

  • ✔️Tibial tubercle reinsertion
  • ✔️Patellar tendon reconstruction with hamstrings
     
Patellar tendon avulsion after TKA
Post-operative X-Rays

At 6 weeks post-op, the patient was walking with a total weight bearing with crouches because of the pain of the other knee. The right knee replacement is now scheduled 6 months later and a preventive reinforcement of the patellar tendon with hamstrings is planned.

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