Abstract
We report on results in surgical treatment of four patients with ruptures of the patellar ligament without systemic disorders such as chronic renal failure and diabetes mellitus.
The patients included 4 males ranging in age from 31 to 62 years (mean, 43.5 years). Three ruptures were fresh and one was treated seven weeks after the injury. The patellar ligament was ruptured at the middle of the ligament in two cases, and avulsion fractures of the lower pole of the patella were found in the others. They were treated by supplemental fixation with wire in addition to ligament repair (modified McLaughlin's procedure).
Active ROM exercise of the knee was started within one week after surgery in all patients. The extension lag in all patients disappeared about three weeks after the surgery. All patients recovered almost full range of motion of the knee without any extension lag about 4 months following surgery.
