Abstract
Three fresh ruptures of the patellar ligament were surgically treated by the modified McLaughlin's procedure. One rupture was open, and the others were closed.
The authors inserted two AO cortical screws into the patella and tibial tubercle, attached to the screws with dual figure-of-eight wire, and pulled down the patella to its original position. The patients started active motion of the knee from one to 15 days after surgery, and bore partial weight from four to six weeks, when extension lag of the knee had disappeared.
In one patient with chronic renal failure, his repaired ligament slightly elongated. In two, their wire broke. But in all, the clinical result was excellent according to the Siwek and Rao's evaluation system at the follow-up, averaged one and one-half year.
The fresh rupture of the patellar ligament may necessitate supplimental fixation between the patella and tibia in addition to ligament repair. Our method could provide more rigid fixation. All patients restored motion of the knee and muscle strength of the quadriceps in their earlier stages.
