Bifocal disruption to the extensor mechanism of the knee: A case report

Bifocal disruption to the extensor mechanism of the knee: A case report

Blog Article

Background: Bifocal disruptions to the extensor mechanism of the knee are extremely rare injuries that are difficult to repair due to the lack of ligamentotaxis.There is a paucity of literature on surgical technique and clinical outcomes following repair.Here we present a variant of this injury previously undescribed.Case presentation: A 24-year-old male Candle Holder landscaper presented to the emergency department following a bifocal disruption to his left knee extensor mechanism from a motorcycle accident.Diagnosis was confirmed on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

He underwent surgical repair utilising trans-osseous tunnels through the patella and tensioning of both repairs simultaneously.Post-operatively he was allowed to weight-bear as tolerated in a range of motion (ROM) brace locked in extension for 6 weeks with a gradual increase in his ROM.By four months the patient had a Ottomans full ROM, no extensor lag and symmetrical quadriceps strength and was allowed to return to full duties at work.Conclusion: Bifocal disruptions to the extensor mechanism of the knee are extremely rare injuries with only case reports in literature.To the best of our knowledge this case represents a novel and undescribed variant.

Surgical repair should be undertaken with careful consideration to appropriate soft tissue tensioning.