Management Options for Extensor Mechanism Discontinuity in Patients With Total Knee Arthroplasty

Extensor mechanism disruption is one of the most dreaded complications of total knee arthroplasty. At times, the disruption is associated with infection, the paucity of soft tissue, and loosening of implants. Treatment decisions made by surgeons are guided by their experience and expertise. The purpose of this article is to provide the readers with an evidence-based comprehensive review which, in turn, should help them in diagnosis and selecting the best treatment strategy for individual patients.

In the following article, we have discussed extensor mechanism disruptions of varying severity at various anatomical levels. We also covered both operative and non-operative measures in different clinical situations.

The analysis of various articles published in the literature would also help orthopedic surgeons to understand the probable outcomes of the particular treatment option chosen and to counsel their patients accordingly.