Reconstruction of the patellar tendon using a dacron graft: a case report.

A case is presented in which a patellar tendon has undergone shortening and degeneration after rupture of a primary repair. The extensor tendon mechanism was reconstructed by using a dacron graft to substitute for the missing patellar tendon and follow-up at 15 months post-surgery showed excellent return of function. Factors in the successful outcome were thought to be both the intrinsic strength of the dacron graft and the ability of fibroblasts to infiltrate the dacron mesh to form a new tendon-like structure.