Extensor mechanism reconstruction with peroneus longus tendon autograft for neglected patellar fracture, report of 2 cases.

Extensor mechanism deficiency in the knee may occur due to neglected patellar and quadriceps tendons rupture or may be caused by chronic fractures of the patella. Older patients can tolerate nonunion with impaired function including extension limitation or persistent muscle weakness. In young patients, performing rigid internal fixation with reoperation should be considered when a nonunion occurs. However, delayed and neglected nonunion in patella fractures require performing different surgical procedures. We report two cases, operated for a patella fracture, in whom nonunion occurred and accompanied by patellar migration and retraction of quadriceps tendon because of a fixation failure. We reconstructed the extensor mechanism with peroneus longus tendon autograft and, owing to this method, we achieved excellent functional results during a 2-year follow-up period.