Arthroplasty Today (Aug 2022)
Distal Femoral Replacement and Extensor Mechanism Repair Reinforced With Synthetic Mesh for Distal Femur Fracture With Patellar Ligament Avulsion
Abstract
Acute patellar ligament disruption in the setting of a distal femur fracture is an uncommon presentation with a variety of treatment options available to the practitioner. The following case report presents an 85-year-old female with a highly comminuted supracondylar distal femur fracture with intercondylar extension and a soft-tissue avulsion of the patellar ligament insertion discovered intraoperatively. A detailed technique review for acute patellar ligament repair with suture anchors and synthetic mesh reinforcement in the setting of distal femoral replacement is then provided. One-year follow-up revealed an intact extensor mechanism with minimal extensor lag and a painless gait. Surgeons faced with such a unique, complex problem may consider mesh augmentation of an acute patellar ligament repair while performing distal femoral replacement.