A New Procedure for Reconstructing the Knee Extension Mechanism After Resection of the Knee Joint and Patella

Abstract

Case:We reconstructed the knee extension mechanism using a novel procedure for a 16-year-old adolescent girl with osteosarcoma that invaded her femur, patella, and patellar tendon. The knee joint was replaced with a megaprosthesis, and the extension mechanism was reconstructed using artificial ligaments sandwiched with bone cement forming a patella. At the one-year follow-up, she could walk using a knee orthosis without crutches.Conclusions:Reconstruction of the knee extension mechanism after patellectomy remains challenging. Our new method achieved an acceptable knee function and is, therefore, useful for patients undergoing excision of the knee joint and extension mechanism.