A chronic patellar tendon rupture is a difficult complication to manage. Patients typically present with both inability to extend their leg and instability of the extremity, oftentimes associated with multiple falls. Attempts at secondary repair have been associated with high failure rates whereas the use of an extensor mechanism allograft has been shown to more effectively restore active extension in a substantial percentage of patients. Important aspects of the technique include fully tensioning the graft in full extension and immobilization of the extremity for 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively to allow for graft healing.
