[Treatment of old patellar tendon lesions. Case report and literature review].

A patellar tendon tear needs a force equivalent to 15 times the weight to overcome the strength of the tendon. It usually occurs in patients from their twenties on, regardless of gender. The diagnosis is made based on the symptoms of pain, impaired ranges of motion, and limitation upon climbing stairs. Pain subsides at two weeks but the limitation of physical activity continues and patients learn to carry out their activities with that disability and therefore they do not get treatment, so the diagnosis is usually made late. Treatment is difficult, as the tendon shortens upon being torn and requires an external reinforcement or an autologous graft; various techniques for repair may be used. The case of a patient with patellar tendon tear is presented herein. She sought treatment 6 months later and was treated with the Ecker, Lotke and modified Glazer technique with a semitendinous and gracilis allograft. She underwent early rehabilitation and quadriceps strengthening. She currently has 110 degrees of flexion, 0 degrees of extension and can carry out activities of daily living and work activities, as she is a laborer.