Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of mesh technique in the reconstruction of the extensor mechanism after resection of proximal tibial tumors.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 14 patients who were diagnosed with proximal tibial tumors at our center and reconstructed with tumor prosthesis, gastrocnemius muscle, and mesh between 2012 and 2017. The treatment strategies for patellar tendon reconstruction primarily involve gastrocnemius reconstruction to cover the tumor prosthesis and mesh reconstruction for the patellar ligament.
Results: Among the 14 patients, the mean was 1.57° (range 0-12°) for active extension versus 105.00° (range 80-120°) for active flexion. The mean for passive extension was 0°. The passive flexion mean was 115.00° (range 90-120°). The extensor lag averaged 1.57° (range 0-12°), and the mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score (MSTS) was 23.57 (range 19-27). The average follow-up for all patients was 23.50 months (range 14-37). During the recent follow-up, all patients were able to walk without crutches. Two patients underwent above-the-knee amputation for local recurrence of the tumor, and lung metastasis occurred in three patients after operation. There were no postoperative complications.
Conclusions: Extensor lag was remarkably reduced in the surgery group in comparison to previous study reports. Surgical resection is a simple, reliable, and effective method to remove and control the tumor. Mesh reconstruction of patellar ligament is effective to reconstruct the extensor mechanism of the knee after excision of tumor.
Keywords: Extensor mechanism; Patellar tendon; Proximal tibial tumors; Synthetic mesh.