Extensor Mechanism Reconstruction for Total Knee Replacement:The Gilbert Procedure™

A unique method devised by Dr. Handal that has yielded quite successful return to function in patients suffering from failed total knee replacment as a result of problems with the extensor mechanism of the knee joint. The most common cause of this is rupture of the patellar tendon as a result of trauma or infection.

The procedure involves the use of patellar tendon allograft (human cadaveric tissue)to replace the patient's own damaged tissue. While similar methods have been employed by others over many years, the results have been variable and often complications have resulted in poor outcomes. However, Dr. Handal's unique method, the Gilbert Procedure, is a technique that he has developed over the last decade of successfully performing highly complex reconstructive knee surgery. This procedure has allowed total knee replacement patients to return to virtually normal function despite this catastrophic injury to the extensor mechanism.