Patellar Tendon Attachment to Trabecular Tantalum

Principal Investigator: David G. Lewallan, M.D.
Project Coordinator: Qingshan Chen — chen.qingshan@mayo.edu

The proximal tibia is one of the most common locations for malignant bone tumors. The primary treatment of these malignancies is the radical resection of the tumor with preservation of the joint. Although the long term outcome is good, a significant cause of limited postoperative function is the difficulty to restore the knee extensor mechanism. The present study aimed to develop an experimental model to study the possibility of using trabecular tantalum in the attachment of patellar tendon to the prosthetic metal surface. Thirty-five skeletally matured dogs were tested. The patellar tendon insertion was dissected unilaterally from the tibial tubercle using standard sterile surgical techniques. A K-wire was drilled through the tibial tubercle at the midpoint of the tendon insertion site and a trabecular tantalum washer was cemented into the tendon insertion site. A second tantalum washer and one cortical screw were used for primary fixation of the tendon. Clinical functional analysis, histological analysis, and biomechanical pull-out strength tests were performed, with the contralateral intact patellar tendon being the control. Results were promising and may indicate a novel application of this material in patellar tendon fixation.