Early combined arthroscopic treatment for simultaneous ruptures of the patellar tendon and the anterior cruciate ligament leads to good radiological results and patient satisfaction

Purpose: Simultaneous rupture of the patellar tendon (PT) and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a relatively rare injury. This study offers a comprehensive review of the published reports and presents two cases of simultaneous PT and ACL rupture. Methods: A systematic review of English literature was performed, and data from two patients who were referred to our institution with simultaneous PT and ACL rupture were collected. Both patients underwent primary arthroscopic ACL reconstruction combined with PT reconstruction and, 1 year after surgery, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), clinical examination, strength measurement and functional assessment. Results: Fourteen studies (24 patients) were included in the review. A two-stage approach was used in eight cases (33.3%), and in nine the use of arthroscopy was documented (37.5%). Post-operative scores were documented for nine patients (average IKDC 91.2; Lysholm 94.6), and radiological results were provided for seven. In the two newly reported cases, satisfactory functional results were obtained and MRI at 1-year follow-up revealed regular PT and ACL signal. Conclusions: No consensus has been established for neither a diagnostic nor a therapeutic algorithm for simultaneous PT and ACL ruptures. Early combined arthroscopic treatment leads to good radiological results, accelerated recovery and patient satisfaction; further studies are required to confirm the role of arthroscopy and assess the superiority of a specific technique. Level of evidence: Review of level IV and V studies and case series, Level IV.