Ossified proximal patellar tendon rupture

Abstract

Extensor mechanism injuries are not uncommon in young active individuals. Patellar tendon is a part of extensor mechanism of the knee which is commonly ruptured due to forced eccentric contraction against flexed knee. There have been reports of pathological changes in the patellar tendon which eventually lead to the rupture. The common pathologies include hypoxic tendinopathy, mucoid degeneration, calcific tendinopathy and tendolipomatosis. We report a rare case of ossified proximal patellar tendon rupture in a fit and active skittle player, who sustained indirect injury to knee while playing soccer. The rupture was confirmed on examination and radiographs. We discovered intraoperatively that the ruptured proximal patellar tendon was ossified which was sequentially repaired with two Krackow sutures, JuggerKnot suture anchor and finally augmented with Leeds Keio tape. Postoperatively, a knee brace was used to immobilise in knee extension with progressive increase in range of motion. This report supports the pool of evidence suggestive of patellar tendon pathology in causing ruptures.