Introduction
The objective of this case report is to describe the repair of a chronic patellar tendon avulsion using an Ultra High Molecular Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber implant.
Case description
The patient is a 9 months old cat with a patellar tendon rupture at middle distance between the patella and its tibial crest enthesis. The cat had first a tendon suture followed by a cage therapy. It was still limping and the patellar tendon was loose. After oral information, the owner accepted to test a repair with the UHMWE fiber implant. Following synthetic ligament fixation, a padded dressing incorporating a lateral splint was applied for 6 weeks to maintain the knee in an extended position. Reevaluation was done at 8 weeks and 6 months postoperatively.
Results
At 6 weeks, the cat used its forelimb. At 8 weeks, no complication was observed, and orthopedic control revealed a good patellar tendon tension during indirect tibial thrust, a visual symmetric stance phase on both hindlimbs as well as a symmetric carriage at rest on a standing position. The implant was stable on elbow radiography. At 6 months, no difference between the two hindlimbs was observed. The recovery was considered excellent both from veterinary point of view and the owner’s opinion.
Conclusion
This novel ligament allows effective repair of chronic tendon rupture. It makes possible and easily accessible a challenging surgery.Morton M.A., Thomson D.G., Rayward R.M., Jiménez-Pelaez M., Whitelock R.G. (2015). Repair of chronic rupture of the insertion of the gastrochnemius tendon in the dog using a polyethylene terephthalate implant. Early clinical experience and outcome. Vet Comp Traumatol 28(4), 282-287.
Morton M.A., Whitelock R.G., Innes J.F. (2015). Mechanical testing of a synthetic canine gastrocnemius tendon implant. Vet Surg 45(5)
Buttin P., ESVOT congress poster (2018) Repair of a chronic triceps tendon avulsion using a UHMWPE fiber implant: case report