Despite technical advances in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery, there remains a need to improve postoperative outcomes with respect to graft failure rates. Recently, it has been shown that combined ACL–anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction (using a graft composed of a tripled semitendinosus and single-strand gracilis tendon) is associated with a significant reduction in graft rupture rates compared with isolated ACL reconstruction. It is recognized that the hamstring tendons are not always available (revision scenario) or are not always the primary ACL graft choice. Some surgeons prefer to use quadriceps tendon ACL grafts because of the suggestion that these grafts may be associated with equal or better functional scores. However, if surgeons wish to try to reduce the risk of graft failure by performing an ALL reconstruction, either a combined reconstruction or the use of an independent ALL graft, with a separate femoral socket, could be considered. The disadvantage of an independently performed extra-articular procedure is the risk of femoral socket collision with the femoral ACL tunnel. This Technical Note therefore describes the use of a combined ACL-ALL reconstruction using quadriceps tendon autograft (ACL graft), gracilis allograft (ALL graft), and a single femoral tunnel.

INTRODUCTION Extensor mechanism ruptures might be easily overlooked and misdiagnosed, and delayed diagnosis of quadriceps tendon rupture is frequent. However, the literature recommends early surgical repair within 72 h.PATIENTS AND METHODS This paper describes a new simple clinical diagnostic test that directly evaluates the integrity of the distal 5 cm of the quadriceps tendon itself. It consists of inserting a needle in the tendon, proximal to the suspected rupture and mobilising the knee joint. RESULTS The suspected ruptured quadriceps tendons with a positive 'needle' diagnostic test were confirmed intra-operatively.CONCLUSIONS This minimally invasive and easily available technique should be considered in the diagnostic work-up and treatment planning of patients with suspected tears of the quadriceps tendon.

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