Chronic neglected patellar tendon rupture following a war-related knee injury: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Chronic patellar tendon rupture is a rare and disabling injury that disrupts the knee extensor mechanism and is challenging to treat when diagnosis is delayed, particularly after high-energy or war-related trauma. We report the case of a 35-year-old female who presented nine years after a war-related knee injury with complete loss of active knee extension. Imaging revealed patella alta and a chronically degenerated and calcified patellar tendon. Surgical reconstruction was performed using a contralateral bone–tendon–bone autograft with rigid fixation and protective cerclage wiring, followed by a structured rehabilitation program. At six months follow-up, the patient regained full active knee extension and quadriceps strength with excellent functional recovery and no complications. This case demonstrates that satisfactory outcomes can be achieved in long-standing neglected patellar tendon ruptures using bone–tendon–bone autograft reconstruction with stable fixation and appropriate rehabilitation.