Reconstruction of patellar tendon following implantation of proximal tibia megaprosthesis for the treatment of post-traumatic septic bone defects

Latest advances made in joint replacement implants allows reconstruction of entire limbs. These special prostheses or megaprostheses were originally designed for the treatment of severe oncological bone loss. Nowadays, however, the indications and applications of these devices are expanding to other orthopaedic and trauma clinical conditions. Since 2008 we have implanted 152 megaprostheses in non-oncological conditions: 87 were implanted for post-traumatic failures aseptic/septic (represented by complex non-unions and critical size bone defects); 26 total femur, 52 distal femur and 9 proximal tibia. In this group of patients bone and soft tissues conditions are completely different compared to patients with oncological back ground. The presence of infection and previous surgeries can lead to adhesion, scar interference, muscular and tendon impairment and skin problems that lead to reduced function and severe joint stiffness. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of treatment of reconstruction of patellar tendon during implantation of proximal tibia megaprosthesis for the treatment of septic post traumatic critical bone defects.