Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40650739›Full record

SynthesisArchives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery2025

Extensor mechanism disruption following primary and revision total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Ashok Rajgopal, Kalpana Aggarwal, Saksham Tripathi

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Review
  3. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Ashok RajgopalInstitute of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Orthopaedics, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, India. a_rajgopal@hotmail.com.
Kalpana AggarwalInstitute of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Orthopaedics, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, India.
Saksham TripathiInstitute of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Orthopaedics, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, India.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundExtensor mechanism disruption (EMD) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a rare but debilitating complication, with an incidence ranging from 0.1 to 2.5%. This condition requires surgical management, either by direct repair or reconstruction using various graft options. Existing literature reports inconsistent outcomes and high complication rates.

methodsA comprehensive search of MEDLINE and Cochrane database (1990-2024) identified studies on EMD management. Studies of Evidence Levels I-IV with a minimum 6 months follow-up, and clear reporting of interventions for EMD were analysed. Data extraction focused on patient demographics, treatment options, and outcomes such as failure rates, complications, extensor lag, range of motion, and ambulation status. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for non-randomized studies.

resultsA total of 32 studies (655 reconstruction cases, 119 repair cases) were included. Reconstruction options using allografts and synthetic mesh showed comparable failure rates (~ 32%). Direct repairs of quadriceps and patellar tendons demonstrated a failure rate of 33.9% and 63% respectively. Autograft reconstruction options reported no failures but were underrepresented. Extensor lag varied across groups, with autografts demonstrating the least extensor lag (5°). Ambulation status improved postoperatively in successful cases. Complications such as periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) were prevalent in failed cases (39-44%).

conclusionEMD after TKA, managed with reconstruction using allografts or synthetic mesh yielded similar outcomes. Autografts and medial gastrocnemius flaps showed better outcomes in a limited cohort. Larger prospective studies, are needed to address the heterogeneity in outcomes and reporting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Indexed as

Arthroplasty, Replacement, KneePostoperative ComplicationsTendon InjuriesHumansReoperationAllograftExtensor mechanism failureReconstructionRepairSynthetic meshSystematic reviewTotal knee arthroplasty

Identifiers

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.