LATE RECONSTRUCTION OF PATELLAR LIGAMENT RUPTURES USING ILIZAROV EXTERNAL FIXATION

Chronic patellar ligament ruptures, on which failed reconstruction att empts have been made, cause structural changes in the quadriceps mecha nism with marked fixed proximal migration of the patella. Before recon struction, the position of the patella must be normalized. When using Ilizarov principles and an Ilizarov external fixator to treat these ru ptures, full weightbearing and range of motion can be maintained throu ghout the pre- and postreconstruction period. This previously unreport ed technique has been used in 2 patients with chronic patellar ligamen t ruptures in whom reconstruction attempts had failed. Successful resu lts obtained with this procedure warrant its consideration for this ra re but disabling problem.