Work

PEEK corkscrew anchor repair of bilateral quadriceps tendon tears in a female patient: A case report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Quadriceps tendon tears severely impair knee function due to disruption of extensor mechanism. These tears are uncommon and typically occur in older males. Bilateral injuries are even more rare. We present the case of a 68-year-old female who sustained bilateral quadriceps tendon tears following a fall. The patient presented with severe bilateral knee pain and an inability to walk after a fall twenty-four hours prior. Clinical examination revealed significant knee swelling, palpable defects at the quadriceps tendon attachments, and limited knee extension. MRI confirmed high-grade distal quadriceps tendon ruptures. Surgical repair was performed using polyetheretherketone (PEEK) corkscrew anchors and a Krackow suture technique. Postoperative care included hinged knee braces, DVT prophylaxis, and a structured rehabilitation protocol. At 12-week follow-up, the patient had regained full knee extension, improved range of motion to 130°, and returned to baseline function. This case adds to the limited literature on bilateral tendon ruptures in women and highlights the utility of PEEK anchor repair as a viable approach to managing complex extensor mechanism injuries

Source: Journal of Orthopaedic Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.jorep.2025.100680

Authors: Angel G.A. Prempeh, Emilia Ferreira, Hannah Gibbs, Nicholas Lopreiato

Institutions: Michigan State University, Medical College of Wisconsin, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Knee injuries and reconstruction techniques

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $600