Figures & data
Figure 1. Magnetic resonance images of the tumor at the initial presentation. The tumor showed low signal intensity on T1-weighted images (a) and high signal intensity on fat-suppressed T2-weighted images (b). The tumor was located closely to the patellar tendon, and a part of the tumor crept beneath the tendon. A high signal intensity area, suggesting edema, was seen around the tumor.
Figure 2. MRI after preoperative radiation therapy. The size of the tumor was reduced, and the high signal intensity area was decreased.
Figure 3. Reconstruction of the patellar tendon using the fascia lata attached to the iliac bone: intraoperative photo (a) and schematic drawing (b). The central branch of the graft was passed through an 8–9 mm longitudinal tunnel and then through a slit in the quadriceps tendon.
Figure 4. Clinical photo taken 3 years after the operation showed active knee flexion of 110 degrees (a). The patient is able to raise her leg with an extension lag of 5 degrees (b).
Figure 5. Lateral-view radiograph (a) and MRI (b) taken 3 years after the operation. Bone union is obtained well and the Insall–Salvati index is 1.6 (the opposite knee is 1.1). Therefore, the patella alta is seen. The graft is shown as a dark band on the T2-weighted image (b).
