Knee Extensor Mechanism Injuries – Tips and Tricks for Difficult Repairs and Reconstructions (Recording)-Knee Extensor Mechanism Injuries – Tips and Tricks for Difficult Repairs and Reconstructions (Recording)

Knee Extensor Mechanism Injuries – Tips and Tricks for Difficult Repairs and Reconstructions (Recording)

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar focused on knee extensor mechanism injuries, covering primary repairs, revision techniques, and reconstructions. Dr. Nathan Skelly emphasized early, precise primary repairs of quadriceps and patellar tendon ruptures, highlighting the importance of preoperative imaging, understanding tear anatomy, using traction sutures, full exposure, and proper tensioning to avoid failure. He also discussed anchor fixation and transosseous repairs, recommending use of soft tissue preservation techniques such as the "hood of the car" method. Dr. Sam Taylor introduced the quad tendon turndown technique for chronic injuries, describing how a three-sided autograft flap can add length to overcome tissue gaps, often supplemented with hamstring autografts for reinforcement. Dr. David Bernholt discussed allograft reconstruction for chronic or revision cases with significant tissue loss, detailing his surgical approach using bone block fixation, and emphasizing careful tensioning in full extension. Dr. Joseph Lamplot covered augmented repairs with hamstring autografts, particularly for mid-substance tears or poor tissue quality, showcasing techniques to weave hamstrings around local structures for added strength. The panel stressed early diagnosis and intervention, individualized surgical planning, and creative use of local and graft tissue to optimize outcomes. Rehabilitation protocols and prevention of extender lag were also addressed. Overall, the webinar highlighted practical surgical tips and new reconstruction methods to improve repair success in challenging extensor mechanism injuries.

Keywords

knee extensor mechanism injuries

primary repair

revision techniques

quadriceps tendon rupture

patellar tendon rupture

quad tendon turndown

allograft reconstruction

hamstring autografts

rehabilitation protocols