RECONSTRUCTION OF THE QUADRICEPS APPARATUS FOLLOWING OPEN INJURIES TOTHE KNEE-JOINT USING PEDICLED GASTROCNEMIUS MUSCULOTENDINOUS UNIT AS BRIDGE GRAFT

The objectives of treating open knee joint injuries with disruption of the distal quadriceps mechanism are to ensure rapid wound healing and to restore joint function. For this it is necessary to provide soft t issue cover, control infection, restore full extension of the knee by reconstruction of the extensor apparatus and prevent joint stiffness b y early mobilisation. Two cases are presented where the gastrocnemius (medial half) musculotendinous unit has been used to reconstruct, in o ne stage, the extensor apparatus and at the same time to provide soft tissue cover.