OUTCOMES OF EARLY SURGICAL REPAIR OF THE KNEE EXTENSOR MECHANISM INJURY, COMPARING THE QUADRICEPS AND PATELLAR TENDON INJURIES: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.

Objectives: this study aimed to compare the radiographic, functional and isokinetic results of the early repair of quadriceps tendon rupture (QTR) and patellar tendon rupture (PTR).

Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study at a level one urban university trauma center from January 2022 to March 2023. The study included patients aged 18 years and older who underwent surgery within three weeks of injury and had at least one year of follow-up. The evaluation used the patellar indices (Insall-Salvati, Blackburn Peel and Caton Deschamps), functional (Lysholm and PCS-12) and isokinetic assessment.

Results: the study involved 20 patients, predominantly male, with a slight predominance of left-sided injuries. The mean age was 39.4 years. Surgical outcomes showed no significant radiographic differences post-repair. Functionally, the PTR group exhibited better recovery compared to the QTR group, particularly in returning to sports and work. Isokinetic testing revealed a substantial reduction in strength on the injured side compared to the uninjured side across both groups.

Conclusion: early surgical intervention leads to favorable radiographic and functional outcomes. The PTR group showed better functional recovery, especially in return to work and sports. No significant differences were found in isokinetic strength recovery between the QTR and PTR groups. Level of Evidence III; Prospective Observational Study.