Abstract
Knee extensor mechanism rupture is a serious complication of total knee arthroplasty
(TKA). Its prevalence ranges from 1 to 10% and it is commonly observed as a chronic
multifactorial pathology with the patellar tendon as the most common site of rupture.
Knee extensor mechanism reconstruction can be performed using allogenic or synthetic
grafts. In the literature it is still not clear whether one of these techniques is
superior to the other and the choice is usually tailored to the patient case by case.
Allografts allow better restoration of the anatomical landmarks, whereas the mesh
technique is more reproducible and the graft does not elongate over time. Allografts
carry an increased risk of infection compared with synthetic reconstructions, while
the mesh technique is cheaper and more readily available.
In this paper, we review the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of this pathology,
drawing on the most recent literature.
Key Words
allograft reconstruction - chronic rupture - extensor mechanism - knee revision -
prosthesis failure - synthetic graft
